Stay Safe from Diarrhoea During Monsoon: Tips to Protect Your Children
The rainy season brings much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, but it also ushers in an increase in water-borne illnesses, particularly diarrhoea. The risk of diarrhoea during monsoon is especially high due to contaminated water sources, increased humidity, and improper food handling. In this blog, we’ll explore how you can stay safe from diarrhoea, especially diarrhoea in children, and ensure a healthy digestive system during this wet season.
Understanding Diarrhoea and Its Types
Diarrhoea, also spelled diarrhea, is characterized by frequent, loose, or watery stools. It is a common illness, especially among children during the monsoon season. There are different types of diarrhoea:
- Acute diarrhoea – lasts a few days and is often caused by a virus or contaminated food.
- Persistent diarrhoea – lasts two weeks or longer.
- Chronic diarrhoea – continues for a month or more and may point to an underlying medical condition.
Among children, acute diarrhoea is most common and often triggered by the rotavirus, a contagious virus that causes severe diarrhoea in young ones.
Symptoms of Diarrhoea You Shouldn’t Ignore
Knowing the symptoms of diarrhoea is crucial for timely care:
- Frequent, watery stools
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Bloating and flatulence
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dehydration – sunken eyes, dry mouth, reduced urination
- Lethargy or irritability in young children
If your child exhibits signs of severe diarrhoea or dehydration, consult your pediatrician immediately.
Why Diarrhoea Increases During Monsoon
The monsoon season in cities like Bangalore creates the perfect conditions for gastrointestinal infections:
- High humidity and rainfall promote the growth of bacteria and parasites that cause diarrhoea.
- Overflowing drains, stagnant water, and contaminated food or water sources increase exposure to harmful microbes.
- The tendency to consume street food and sliced fruits from roadside vendors adds to the contamination risk.
These conditions increase the likelihood of digestive infections, especially among children with developing immune systems.
Contaminated Food and Water: A Leading Cause
In the rainy season, use untreated or unclean and contaminated water can cause stomach infections and digestive issues. Similarly, eating raw or uncooked food, improperly cooked meals, or food from street vendors can lead to illness.
Avoid consuming:
- Sliced fruits exposed to air
- Raw or uncooked vegetables
- Fried foods and refined sugar
- Juice from roadside stalls made with contaminated water
These practices can cause diarrhoea and even intestinal bleeding in severe cases.
How to Prevent Diarrhoea During Monsoon
Here are essential steps to prevent diarrhoea and reduce the risk during the rainy season:
- Always use purified water for drinking and cooking.
- Wash fruits and vegetables with vinegar-infused water.
- Avoid eating raw or uncooked or improperly stored food.
- Say no to street food, especially salads and fried items.
- Encourage children to wash hands frequently and maintain hygiene.
Digestion During the Monsoon: Foods to Embrace
To support better digestion during the monsoon, feed your child:
- Green leafy vegetables (well-cooked)
- Fruits and vegetables washed in clean water
- Immune-boosting foods like nuts and seeds
- Curd and buttermilk to encourage good bacteria in the gut
Avoid cold, greasy meals and instead focus on light, cooked, and fiber-rich options.
Diarrhoea in Children: Special Care Tips
Diarrhoea in children requires prompt care. Follow these steps:
- Ensure your child drinks plenty of water or ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)
- Offer bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast
- Monitor abdominal pain, stool frequency, and hydration status
- If symptoms worsen or last beyond two days, seek medical help
Children are vulnerable to dehydration, so it’s vital to stay hydrated and maintain electrolyte levels.
Vaccination and Preventive Care
Did you know your child can be vaccinated against rotavirus? This vaccine protects against the virus that causes severe diarrhoea and is part of essential preventive care in early childhood.
Consult your pediatrician to ensure your child is up to date on all immunizations.
What to Avoid to Stay Safe
To stay safe from diarrhoea during monsoon, it’s important to:
- Avoid eating fried street foods and street vendors‘ offerings
- Say no to juices made from contaminated water
- Avoid physical activities in puddle-filled areas
- Be cautious with improperly cooked or leftover food
These small changes can significantly help you stay safe from diarrhoea.
Tips to Stay Safe: A Quick Checklist
Here are your go-to tips to stay safe and protect your family from diarrhoea this monsoon:
- Avoid contaminated water and street food
- Use purified water always
- Maintain personal and food hygiene
- Eat light, cooked meals and avoid raw or uncooked dishes
- Say no to open juices and sliced fruits sold outside
- Encourage kids to drink plenty and stay hydrated
- Ensure children are vaccinated against rotavirus
In Summary: Key Takeaways
- The risk of diarrhoea during monsoon is high due to contaminated food, water, and poor hygiene.
- Children are especially at risk and need close monitoring and care.
- Prevention includes avoiding street food, using purified water, maintaining hygiene, and eating digestion-friendly foods.
- Early treatment, ORS, and professional guidance are essential in managing severe diarrhoea.
Keep your family protected this season — prevention is the best cure when it comes to diarrhoea during monsoon.
