Now that the flood waters are receding and the sun is out, it’s time to heave a sigh of relief. It’s also time to protect ourselves from the after-effects: infectious diseases. Doctors say that the single most important thing to focus on is drinking water. For, most gastrointestinal infections such as dysentery and diarrhoea are water-borne. “Drinking water has to be boiled, whether it’s from a tap or a can,” says Dr. Deepthi Morais.
For those with symptoms of diarrhoea, she advises keeping the body well hydrated. “Instead of medication, oral rehydration can be made at home by mixing two spoonfuls of sugar and a pinch of salt to 200 ml of water and drinking it through the day.” Adults who’ve been affected by flood waters (with the exception of pregnant women and nursing mothers) can take 200 mg of doxycycline a week. “If you take it say, on Monday, take the next dose the following Monday for four to five weeks,” she says and adds, “Avoid antibiotics unless prescribed by a doctor.”
Fungal infections that develop between the toes owing to wet surroundings can be dealt with by applying anti-fungal creams. But such infections can be avoided in the first place by keeping the feet dry, according to Dr. Deepthi.
Paediatrician and neonatologist Dr. Githa Karthikeyan advises parents to wrap their babies and keep them warm. “It should be ensured that children wash their hands before eating. Once they go back to school, it’s better that they wear open-toed footwear or slippers instead of shoes and socks to keep their feet dry,” she adds.
Dr. G. Sivaraman says that it’s best that we drink warm water. “Once it’s boiled well, reheat it before drinking it,” he explains. “For cooking and washing vegetables too, use warm water. It’s advisable to use warm water for toilet use as well.” He says sheets and pillow covers should be changed every day. “Especially if there’s a baby at home,” he adds. “Because fungus thrives on damp fabrics.”
Dr. Sivaraman says that making slight modifications to our everyday diet can go a long way in preventing illnesses. “Avoid eating sweets, ready-to-eat foods from outside and chilled food items for now. Replace red chillies with pepper in every dish you cook, since pepper is an immune stimulant,” he says. “Add tulsi (basil) leaves while boiling water for tea. Rasam or soup with ginger, garlic, pepper, cinnamon and cloves is ideal for this weather.”
Boil drinking water and use warm water for domestic use.
Quick tips
Change sheets and pillow covers every day.
Keep feet dry to avoid fungal infections.
Include a lot of pepper in your diet.
Avoid eating food from outside, and uncooked food such as salads and coconut chutney.
Include tulsi leaves, cinnamon and cloves in tea.
