as monsoon brings along an assortment of ailments here are some basics to prevent yourself from falling sick the city has barely experienced a few showers and mumbaikars are already falling prey to a host of maladies including the flu while we happily await the rains they also bring along a host of health problems consulting physician and diabetologist dr amol manerkar says the sudden variation in temperature plays mischief with the body balance and causes viral infections which eventually brings down immunity the body also becomes very susceptible to water borne diseases such as malaria jaundice typhoid and cholera before the monsoons take a toll on your health dr manerkar lists a few precautionary measures thatll ensure you sail through this season smoothlymaintain hygiene at the outset this may sound very basic but the primary reason most of us are prone to so many viral infections in the monsoon is because we fail to maintain proper sanitation the water puddles formed because of heavy showers are a breeding ground for mosquitoes that are responsible for spreading diseases such as malaria and dengue fever so always keep your surroundings dry and clean do not allow water to accumulate when it comes to personal hygiene ensure that you keep your rain gear handy if you get wet in the rain take a hot water shower once you reach home as it will protect you from catching an infection always sanitise your hands before you eat and ensure your nails are clean also keep your body warm as viruses attack immediately when body temperature goes downfoot care ambling along dirty puddles or stagnant water leads to a number of fungal infections that affect toes and nails diabetics have to take special care about their feet as they are easily prone to infection that when unattended could also lead to gangrene always keep your feet dry and clean wear closed shoes which drains out water easily remember regular pedicures in the season are mandatory toodiabetics beware apart from foot care those suffering from diabetic neuropathy must avoid sitting in airconditioned rooms with wet hair and damp cloths as they are at a higher risk of catching pneumonia precautions have to be taken to prevent dampness and growth of fungus mold on and around the house where asthmatic patients livewater watch now that the temperature outside has fallen so has your water intake but you need to drink plenty of water all day as it helps you drain out toxins from your body pollution of drinking water during monsoon is very common so bear in mind to drink only purified boiled or mineral water to prevent diarrhea poor intake of liquids causes dehydration which leads to weakness if the weakness persists tank up on nimbu paani ors and electroleat right steer clear from eating outside food during the rainy season if you feel the need stick to steamed food such as idli momos and dhokla because the high temperature required for such food items