Everyone loves the summer, but when it gets hot & humid, a host of disease-carrying bugs love to emerge. With the soaring mercury and the summer heat, people are more likely to fall prey to infections like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis. The rising heat can lead to stomach problems as well.
Summer is also the time when water-borne diseases spread because of contamination in drinking water. If you do not take good care of yourself during this season, you may fall prey to these diseases. From drinking clean water to having liquid iron supplements, there are many ways to prevent yourself from deadly viruses and bacteria.
Read the following tips for staying safe this summer.
- Always drink clean water
Make sure that you only drink boiled water or that which has been filtered. If you buy packaged drinking water, check its authenticity and expiry date before opening it. You can also use iodine tablets to purify your drinking water while traveling. This will ensure that you are safe from all kinds of diseases that are caused by contaminated water.
Do not eat stale food: During summer, there is a greater chance of food getting spoiled because of the heat and humidity. Therefore, never buy and eat food that is stale or looks decomposed in any way. It is always better to avoid eating outside during this season or if you do, then make sure that you eat fresh and healthy.
- Take shots
It is recommended to take seasonal shots, such as flu shots, pneumonia shots, etc., in order to avoid seasonal illnesses. A flu shot helps you from getting infected with the virus which causes influenza (flu). Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be fatal if not treated on time. It is caused by bacteria or viruses, and hence, it is better to get vaccinated for pneumonia as well.
- Wash hands properly
Washing hands with soap and water is one of the best ways to avoid getting sick. Ensure your soap is antibacterial, and wash your hands properly with soap, rubbing each finger. It’s not just about washing your hands but also making sure you dry them properly with a clean towel or paper towel.
- Use Mosquitoes repellents
Mosquitos are more harmful during summers and transmit diseases such as the West Nile virus. CDC recommends using DEET products on exposed skin, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquito activity is highest
- Take Iron Supplements
Strong immunity is crucial to avoid virus and bacteria attacks. However, an adequate iron level is required to boost the body’s immune power. Hence, you must take liquid iron supplements regularly and iron-rich meals to robust your natural body’s ability to prevent the invasion of pathogens.
- Keep nails clean
You must have heard from your elders how important it is to keep nails clean because they are a major storehouse of germs and bacteria. Since we don’t pay much attention to our nails, we tend to transfer these germs to our eyes and nose, which causes various illnesses. So, if you want to avoid getting sick this summer, make sure you keep your nails clean.
- Eat Plenty Of Vegetables & Fruits
Vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that help boost your immunity and keep you healthy all year round, especially during the summer months. Also, eat plenty of seasonal vegetables like carrots, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, etc., which are high in water content and keep your body hydrated during summers.
You should also include citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and sweet lime as they are rich in vitamin C that help boost your immunity.
- Keep Your Hands Away From Your Face
When our body’s immunity starts to go weak during the summer season, we are more susceptible to viruses and bacteria. So the best thing you can do to avoid catching any virus or bacteria is to stay away from touching your face. You should make sure that you wash your hands regularly and don’t touch your face with dirty hands.
- Exercise Regularly
A great way to ensure that your immune system is as strong as possible is by exercising regularly. Exercise reduces stress levels and increases blood flow around the body, which helps white blood cells travel around quickly. So, try to get at least 20 minutes of exercise per day and avoid over-exercising.
That was all about the preventive measures against infection in summers. Hope you like the information.