The monsoon is a lovely time. The weather changes from sultry to cool, and the winds blow fiercely as the rain comes pouring down. It is a season that provides relief from the sweltering summer heat. The chill in the air helps us appreciate our hot chai and pakodas even more.
However, the monsoons bring with them some nuisances – and generally a few disasters too, ranging from traffic gridlocks and fallen trees to cyclones and floods. Worst of all, it is a season that often sees the rampant spread of various deadly diseases.
This change in the weather can take a toll on one’s health, so it’s essential to follow some precautions to keep your kids (and you) safe during this time.
Waterborne diseases
Bacteria thrive in wet conditions, and with the rain come a host of waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, typhoid, and salmonella (food poisoning). Make sure your family drinks only boiled water. Cover all your food to stop pathogens from thriving and be strict about the food your kids eats outside the home; it may be contaminated with bacteria.
Staying warm
The monsoon is also the season for the common cold, as well as cases of the flu. Keep kids warm and dry with jackets or raincoats so there’s no chance of contracting hypothermia. Carry an umbrella everywhere and dissuade your children from playing in the rain.
Watch out for mosquitoes!
Mosquitoes thrive in the monsoon because of the equable temperature and abundant availability of stagnant water. They multiply and spread diseases as they invade homes in the hope of finding warmth. Mosquitoes transmit deadly diseases such as dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and encephalitis – and you most certainly do not want to be a victim of any of these.
Use a trusted mosquito repellent such as Goodknight Fabric Roll-On on your kid’s clothes when he or she is on the go. On the other hand, when indoors, switch on the new Goodknight Gold Flash System to keep these pests at bay. The product is absolutely safe and effectively wards off mosquitoes round the clock.
Waterproofing
Days of nonstop rain can cause cracks in the ceiling of your home, or even leakages. This could lead to the unclean and uncomfortable situation of water continually dripping from your walls or ceiling. Get your house waterproofed at least a month before the monsoons so that you don’t have to deal with this unpleasant and unhygienic situation.
Regular cleaning
Damp weather is excellent for not just mosquitoes, but also fungi and algae. Do not be surprised to see moss growing on your walls and black fungal spores taking over your ceiling. It is unhealthy to have fungus in our homes, as the spores could cause respiratory problems, especially for young children. Make sure you regularly clean your house to prevent fungi and algae from gaining a foothold.
Home remedies
It’s vital to keep your immune system healthy and on high alert during this season. Stock up on recipes for home remedies that you’ll need in every situation. Use these before you turn to popping pills, as it may not be desirable for your child to take medicines regularly. In addition, eating the right food would strengthen their immune system and allow them to enjoy the season.
The important thing to remember is that there is a solution to everything. Do not spend the monsoon worrying. The rains can be splendid, and they must be enjoyed rather than dreaded. If you follow these tips and guidelines, you should not only be able to make it through the deluge unscathed but also enjoy yourself in the process.
