Monsoon is characterized by an increase in the rate of humidity, making it easier for disease-causing organisms to grow and thrive. It is a well-known fact that monsoon increases the susceptibility of infections such as flu, common cold, malaria, and dengue.
Viruses such as the influenza virus are known to have an increased transmission rate during cold and humid climates, but however, there is no evidence so far to suggest that the rate of transmission of the COVID-19 virus (SARS-CoV-2) would increase during the monsoons.
Continuous studies over the seasonal impact on the novel Coronavirus will be able to give us a clearer picture of this.
However, the right precautionary measures can help you prevent the infection, despite the change in the season.
Precautionary Measures Against COVID-19 During Monsoon
1. Maintain Personal Hygiene
Use sanitisers often and wash your hands with soap and water, especially after returning from outside.
Practice respiratory hygiene by covering your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing. As the COVID-19 virus can spread through airborne droplets, this can help prevent the spread of the infection*.
2. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Drink at least 8 to10 glasses of water in a day to eliminate toxins from your body.
Drink boiled or purified water to avoid water-borne infections through contaminated water.
3. Disinfect Indoor Spaces And Furniture
Regularly disinfect all high-touch surfaces of your home such as door handles, switches, tables, chairs, and countertops, since COVID-19 is spread through airborne transmission*.
It’s preferable to wear disposable gloves while disinfecting your house. Once you are done, remove the gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
4. Eat Homemade Food
Avoid outside food to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infections through the contact of delivery agents and multiple other touchpoints.
Include immunity-boosting food in your daily diets such as seasonal fruits and vegetables, citrus fruits, and herbs like garlic, pepper, and turmeric.
General Precautions to Continue During Monsoon
Practice double masking while stepping outside and maintain social distancing.
Sanitize your footwear as the contaminated water you step on can bring home various disease-causing pathogens.
Ensure the drainage systems of your house are clean and covered, as it is a major breeding ground for infectious organisms.
Following these simple measures will help you stay healthy and prevent infections during the monsoons. In case you develop any symptoms of the COVID-19 infection, consult your doctor immediately.
*Note: As per a study published in The Lancet, in March 2021, COVID-19 is spread through airborne transmission. The WHO (World Health Organization) and the US CDC (Centers For Diseases Control and Prevention) have also confirmed the same now.
References:
1. Seniority. 2021. Things You Need To Do During Rainy Season To Reduce Risk Of Infections Like COVID-19 | Safety Measure Against Infection. [online] Available at: <https://www.seniority.in/blog/how-to-reduce-risk-of-infections-like-covid-19-during-rainy-season/> [Accessed 3 June 2021].
2. Ndma.gov.in. 2021. Prevent Monsoon Illness visuals | NDMA, GoI. [online] Available at: <https://ndma.gov.in/Resources/awareness/Prevent_Monsoon_Illness/visuals> [Accessed 3 June 2021].
3. Dr. Liji Thomas, M., 2021. How might India's monsoon season impact COVID-19 ?. [online] News-Medical.net. Available at: <https://www.news-medical.net/news/20200929/How-might-Indias-monsoon-season-impact-COVID-19.aspx> [Accessed 3 June 2021].
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