The weather may not show it, but the rainy season is fast approaching. Given that the past few weeks–months, even–have been filled with hot days, having the rainy season arrive may be a relief for many people. However, there are still some things about the rainy season that may not be worth looking forward to.
It’s true that the impending rainy season means we’re due for cooler days. However, that also means that there’s a chance that we might also end up getting caught in the rain and soaked. As such, there’s a higher chance that people might get sick–you and your family included.
With that in mind, it’s good to be prepared for what could possibly happen when the rain starts rolling in. After all, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. With that in mind, we’ll be giving you some health-related tips to help you prepare for what the rainy season may bring.
The Cold(s) and the Rain
When you think of the rainy season, you might think of rainy days and cooler weather. This makes perfect sense, because that’s basically what it is. However, this is just one side of the rainy season.
Aside from the cooler weather and wet days, there’s also the fact that sickness is more likely. The colder weather becomes the perfect environment for the common cold and other similar illnesses to spread. The viruses that cause these illnesses end up thriving in this wetter weather. There’s also the chance that you might end up getting sick if you get caught in the rain.
As much as no one likes getting sick, there is a higher chance that you may come under an illness like the common cold during the rainy season. So, it only makes sense that you do what you can to make sure you either don’t come down with a cold or you don’t get as sick as you would if you weren’t prepared. Fortunately, preparing for this isn’t that hard. All you need to know is what to do, and things can become more manageable.
With that in mind, here are some tips you can follow to ensure that you’re ready for the rainy season!
1. Staying Dry
The first thing you can do to help avoid getting sick this coming rainy season would be to stay dry. This is probably the easiest and most obvious thing to do, so it only makes sense that you have this base covered. However, how exactly can you keep yourself dry?
One of the best ways to keep dry during this rainy season would be to have some rain gear ready. So, be sure to always have an umbrella at the ready. Whether it’s a small and collapsible one or a full-sized one, be sure to have one handy. Aside from that, you can also have a raincoat or rain jacket. This can also help keep your (and your loved ones) dry when it starts to pour.
However, if you do end up getting caught in the rain without an umbrella or a rain jacket, you can still help stop yourself from possibly getting sick. This is where having an extra change of clothes and a small towel can come in handy. Even if you did get soaked, you can at least make sure you get dry as soon as possible and avoid catching a cold.
2. Get Those Nutrients In!
Another great way to help prepare yourself for the rainy season would be through your body. You can do this by strengthening your immune system. Considering that your immune system’s your body’s defense against pathogens and what not, it makes sense that you ensure it’s well-equipped.
Among the many things you can do to help strengthen your immune system, one of the most basic things you can do is to ensure you get the right vitamins and minerals. A number of vitamins and minerals help your immune system function properly and efficiently. Zinc, for example, helps maintain production of new immune cells. On the other hand, Vitamin C can help shorten the time you may be down with a sickness.
With that in mind, it’s good to ensure you eat a lot of foods loaded with vitamins and minerals. Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of various vitamins and minerals. You can also opt to take a multivitamin if you don’t think you’re getting enough of these vitamins and minerals. You can also talk to your doctor about this so they can help you know what foods you can consume to help boost your immune system.
3. Vaccinate
Still on the topic of your immune system, there’s also another way to help prepare you for the rainy season. You see, the rainy season is also synonymous with the flu season. For one reason or another, people are more likely to catch the flu during the rainy season. Be it because the weather makes it conducive for the flu virus to persist or because people end up getting one another sick, the chances of getting the flu during the rainy season are higher.
To help combat this, flu vaccinations are done just as the rainy season is about to begin. By vaccinating, you’re at least assured that your immune system is prepared to handle a possible infection. With the vaccine, you’re at least assured that you won’t be as sick as you would be if you didn’t have the vaccine.
With that in mind, it’s also a good idea to get you and your family vaccinated. You can always ask your doctor or you could also look out for flu vaccination drives, which some barangays and subdivisions do. Either way, getting a vaccine when the opportunity presents itself is a great way to also prepare for the rainy season.
Rainy season is upon us, which means we’ll have cold weather soon enough! However, this also means that you may also end up getting sick, especially if you get caught in the rain. With that in mind, it’s important to do what you can to prepare for this and do what you can to avoid getting sick. Fortunately, doing so isn’t too difficult. So, it’s only right that you do what you can to prepare for the rainy season. After all, an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure–and more convenient too!
