Published By: Soham Halder

Pre-Monsoon Health Checklist: Essential Tips to Protect Yourself From Seasonal Illnesses and Infections

From heat to humidity: shield your health this monsoon!

As the skies grow darker and the scent of the first rain fills the ambience, the monsoon feels like a refreshing change from the scorching summer. But before you grab your masala chai and pakoras, it’s important to remember: the pre-monsoon season is a breeding ground for numerous illnesses. From viral fevers and mosquito-borne to food related infections and fungal problems—transition into monsoon demands a proactive health plan.

Here’s your comprehensive pre-monsoon health checklist to stay healthy and energized while enjoying the rain without much worry.

Boost Your Immunity Naturally

Before the monsoon sets in, give your body a fighting chance. Pre-monsoon weather weakens your immunity suddenly, making you vulnerable to monsoon diseases.

What to do:

Get Vitamin C boost – citrus fruits, amla, guava, and lemon water.

Consume probiotics like curd or buttermilk to improve your gut.

Drink herbal kadhas made from tulsi, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper to get relief from respiratory congestion.

Get sufficient sleep and manage stress – both are immunity killers!

Stay Hydrated, But Safely

Monsoon often brings a false sense of hydration due to humidity. However, the risk of waterborne diseases increases before and during monsoon. So, you should consume a lot of drinking water daily.

What to do:

Drink boiled or filtered water only.

Avoid streetside juices and water-based drinks.

Always keep reusable water bottles handy during travel.

Keep Mosquitoes at Bay

Dengue, chikungunya, and malaria cases skyrocket during and before the rains due to water accumulation.

What to do:

Use mosquito repellents and nets, especially at night.

Empty flower pots, coolers, and other containers weekly.

Wear full-sleeved clothes during evenings and nights if you are going outside.

Pro Tip: Plant tulsi or lemongrass near windows—they repel mosquitoes naturally.

Rethink Your Diet

The high humidity and temperature can instantly upset your gut as oily and heavy foods are harder to digest in this season.

What to do:

Opt for light and home-cooked meals with minimal oil and spices.

Avoid restaurant-made curries—they may carry germs.

Add turmeric, garlic, and pepper to boost natural protection.

Avoid: Fried street foods like samosas, pakoras unless made hygienically at home.

Foot and Skin Care Matters

Wet feet and sweaty skin provide the ideal conditions for fungal infections to thrive.

What to do:

Dry your feet immediately if they get wet.

Use antifungal powder or cream in shoes and socks.

Wear open, waterproof footwear when outdoors.

Pro Tip: Switch to cotton clothing to prevent unwanted rashes and let your skin breathe.

Keep Your Surroundings Clean

Your health care begins at home. Pre-monsoon is the ideal time to tackle cleanliness before dampness and harmful insects take over.

What to do:

Clean water-clogged drains and gutters near your home.

Fix leaks in roofs or walls.

Use disinfectants while mopping, especially in bathrooms and kitchens.

Visit Your Doctor for a Check-up

If you have asthma, diabetes, or a weak immune system, a seasonal check-up is a must. Pre-existing conditions often worsen during the monsoon.

Pile up on essential medicines and keep emergency items handy.

Monsoon may be romantic, but you should not roam around carelessly. With the proper pre-monsoon health precautions, you can enjoy this rainy season without falling sick. 

A little awareness today can prevent long queues at clinics tomorrow.