How to Prevent Jaundice During the Rainy Season: Safe Water & Food

During the monsoon, people experience relief from heat as well as new life since many trees and plants bloom. However, with all of this good fortune comes an increased chance of contracting infections; among these is jaundice. The climatic conditions created by monsoon season also aid in the transmission of viruses and bacteria through food and drinking water.
Since jaundice causes damage to the liver, prevention of this disease becomes much more important during monsoon season.
This guide details the most effective ways to prevent jaundice during monsoon season, along with practical tips regarding food, drinking water, and hygiene that all families should use to protect themselves from jaundice.

What Causes Jaundice During the Monsoon?

The monsoons create conditions for water to accumulate, causing rubbish to clog street drains and overflow onto the streets where wastewater from homes and businesses is released. Rainwater that collects in puddles can become contaminated with fecal matter and other harmful microorganisms, which can easily infiltrate drinking water and food supplies.

Here are a few key reasons for an increase in cases of jaundice during the monsoon season:

Puddles and standing water create a perfect breeding ground for bacteria
Street vendors sell contaminated food and drinks
Drinking water is often polluted due to faulty pipelines
Food stored improperly during the high humidity of the monsoon can grow mould or spoil quickly
The outbreak of viral hepatitis (hepatitis A & E) is very common during the monsoon season.
Therefore, using good hygiene water safety

✓ Do not use any external water source, including:

* Water for Street-Cooks

* Water Containers from Temple/Parks

* Uncovered Water Dispenser Units

✓ Store water securely and safely

Use clean, sealed containers to safely store water, and rotate it out every 24 hours.

✓ Install Reverse Osmosis or Ultraviolet Filters at Home

Monsoon rain and, therefore, the rain season require these filters to maintain purity; therefore, filters should be serviced during monsoon.

✓ Use a Bottle for Water While Terrorized by Rain

This reduces exposure to potentially dangerous water sources.

Food Safety Tips for Preventing Jaundice During Monsoon

The humid, wet environment is conducive to many foods spoiling before being consumed, and, consequently, infectious agents are very easily transmitted. Therefore, food safety is one of the foremost measures to prevent jaundice during monsoons.

DO NOT EAT HIGH-RISK FOODS:

* Street Meat

* Pounded Wheat

* Unsanitary Street Food

* Unpasteurized Milk

* Frostbite Ice

* Cut Fruit Sold on Street Corners

✓ Consume only fresh-cooked, Homecooked Meal Food and Cook Thoroughly

Additionally, do not eat leftovers, and prepare cooked food for consumption at a later time.

✓ Wash All Fruits, Vegetables, and other Items

Use warm, soapy water with salt or baking soda to disinfect.

✓ Maintain a Clean and Sanitary Kitchen

Keep countertops clean; keep cutting boards dry and sanitize, wash hands before preparing food, and put raw and cooked foods away separately.

✓ Consume Foods Known To Boost Immunity

* Lemon

* Turmeric

* Garlic

* Ginger

* Leafy Greens

* Fresh Fruits (OSTO)

Hygiene Practices to Prevent Jaundice

Hygiene practices are also important for the prevention of hepatitis caused by the consumption of food and water through infection. The following are important hygiene practices:

Hygiene Practices:

* Wash your hands with soap (20-second rule) prior to eating.

* Clean your hands after public transit use.

* Avoid touching your face.

* Trim your nails.

* Do not share utensils, water bottles, or food items.

Parents must be aware that children are more at risk of developing jaundice in the monsoon, and they must pay attention.

Lifestyle Choices to Protect Themselves from Alcohol and a Will to Recover

Good liver health will reduce your risk of adverse health outcomes resulting from viral hepatitis due to infections. The following are daily routines to promote good liver health:

* Drink clean drinking water.

* Avoid alcohol during the monsoon season.

* Exercise routinely for at least 30 minutes per day.

* Get enough sleep each night to allow your immune system to function optimally, and do not consume excess calories during the day.

* Avoid fried and oily foods.

* Get a vaccination against Hepatitis A and B (if recommended).

By following these daily steps, you will help promote your body's natural defenses against infections.

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you experience one or more of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately:

* Yellowing of your eyes and skin.

* Dark-colored urine.

* Severe tiredness.

* Nausea and vomiting.

* Severe abdominal pain in your right or left upper abdomen.

* Loss of appetite.

* Fever.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent severe damage to the liver.

The rainy season is a time of increased risk for developing jaundice; however, if the above safety, hygiene, and health precautions are followed, the disease can be easily prevented.

By adhering to these measures, you and your family will be well-protected against jaundice during the rainy season.

For more information on Jaundice, or to receive information or refer to an expert regarding your jaundice diagnosis and treatment, please visit GEM Hospital. 

Book an appointment today.