Rainy Season Home Hygiene Tips to Avoid Stomach Infections

Monsoon brings refreshing rains and mild temps, but it also increases the risk of infections, specifically stomach infections. The humid conditions allow waterborne viruses and bacteria to thrive, causing food, water (and even kitchen objects) to be contaminated. It is more important than ever to practice hygiene at home because of gastrointestinal illnesses during the rainy season. 

Below is a comprehensive list of tips to help you prevent stomach infections at home during the rainy season covering hygiene and food safety tips to follow. 

• Keep Your Kitchen Dry and Clean
• Your kitchen is the first barrier against infections. Bacteria, mold and pests thrive in moisture.

These are tips to follow:
 

• Regularly or frequently wipe kitchen counters and floors with a disinfectant solution
• The sink should be kept dry after washing dishes
• Never leave leftover food uncovered; always refrigerate it promptly
• Use separate cutting boards for vegetables and raw meat to avoid cross-contamination
• Make sure there is sufficient ventilation, or exhaust fans are run to decrease humidity

Drink Safe Boiled or Filtered Water

Contaminated water is one of the most prevalent sources of stomach infections, such as cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis during monsoon season. 

Steps to follow to do:

• Always boil drinking water at a rolling boil for at least 10 minutes before consumption
• Use a water purifier that contains UV + UF + RO filters and is of good quality, if possible
• Store drinking water in a clean, covered container
• Never drink water purchased from external or roadside vendors or from possibly contaminated sources

Check Fruits and Vegetables

Rainwater may come in contact with harmful microorganisms and then end up on fruits, and vegetables. 

Smart handling practices would be:

• Wash vegetables and fruits properly with flowing or running waterBefore preparing, soak leafy greens in salt water or a vinegar solution for 15 minutes. 
• Do not consume uncooked salads or fruit cut from the street during the monsoon season. 
• Instead of leftover food, consume freshly prepared vegetables. 

Cook Food Thoroughly & Eat It Fresh 

Food that is partially cooked or reheated may contain bacteria - even more so in increased humidity. 

Utilize safe food preparation practices:

• Cook all food to safe temperatures to kill germs. 
• Avoid reheating rice or seafood more than once. 
• Throw away food that smells or tastes "off," even if it appears fine. 
• Store any cooked food in airtight containers and refrigerate it immediately after cooking.

Maintain Personal Hygiene at Home 

Hygiene in the home is more than hygiene, it starts with personal hygiene. 

Some simple routines to practice each day: 

• Wash your hands prior to eating, after going to the toilet, and after touching raw food. 
• Keep nails trimmed to eliminate the possibility of bacteria residing there. 
• Have a separate towel to dry your hands for each family member. 
• Shower each day, especially after getting wet from the rain.

Stay Away from Street Food and Meals from Outside the Home 

Street food is tempting, but the risk of getting sick is too high in the monsoon season. The rain typically creates the conditions for bacteria to grow rapidly in food left out in the open while exposed to a significant humidity level. 

Remember this:

• Do not eat food that has been exposed to air and flies. 
• Cook or prepare food at home over ordering fried snacks from street food vendors. 
• If you eat out, eat in a restaurant where you see that they are practicing safe food management in plain sight. 

Practice Proper Waste Disposal

Waste, along with stagnant water, attract insects and rodents all of which are vectors of disease.

Keep your home clean:

• Pick up waste every day and put it in closed trash bins. 
• Keep your drains clean and unclogged. 
• Put disinfecting powder or bleaching solution into bathroom drains once a week.
• Cover all water-holding containers to stop mosquito nesting.

Enhance Immunity with Natural Foods

• Having a good immune system reduces the likelihood of infection, even if bacteria are present. 
• Tips on healthy food for the monsoon season:
• Use garlic, ginger, turmeric, and pepper in cooking. 
• Eat vitamin C-rich fruits (oranges, guava, amla). 
• Drink herbal teas such as tulsi, mint, or ginger to promote digestion. 
• Avoid eating high amounts of fried or spicy foods that can upset the stomach.

Disinfect Commonly Used Surfaces

• Viruses can survive on surfaces for hours. Keeping things clean can help lessen the chance of passing on illnesses.
• Here’s a checklist:
• Wipe door handles, light switches, and water faucets using disinfectant wipes daily. 
• Wash hand towels, aprons, and kitchen rags regularly. 
• Keep bathrooms dry after using them. Be sure to disinfect toilet seats regularly. 

Be Aware of Signs of Stomach Infection

Regardless of your precautions, infection does happen. The sooner you can detect it, the sooner it can get treatment. Symptoms to look for:

Abdominal discomfort, abd. pain, abd. cramps

• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Fever and dehydration
• Loss of appetite

If these symptoms persist more than 24 hours consult a gastroenterologist as soon as possible.

Keeping a clean home throughout the rainy season is the easiest and most effective way to keep your family members from suffering from stomach infections. The combination of clean drinking water, sanitary food preparation, and good personal hygiene can keep common bouts of illness at bay.
 

If you feel persistent stomach discomfort, nausea or digestion problems don't ignore it! Early diagnosis can prevent complications.

GEM Hospital, is one of the top gastroenterology centers in South India for advanced treatment of the stomach and digestive illness.

Make your appointment today by contacting [GEM Hospital] and protect a healthy, infection free rainy season.