During the rainy season, temperatures get significantly cooler. While rain doesn't directly make you sick, the viruses that cause coughs and colds are generally more contagious at lower temperatures.
When your body gets wet in the rain in cold weather and this condition is left for a long time, it can affect your immune system. Your body temperature becomes quite low and your immunity decreases, making you more susceptible to flu, colds and other illnesses.
How to avoid getting sick easily in the rainy season? Check out the following discussion.
Why It's Easier to Get Sick in the Rainy Season
Cold coughs (common cold) are caused by viruses, with rhinoviruses being the most common cause of cold coughs. Meanwhile, colds are caused by influenza viruses. There are studies that say that temperatures below 37°C can make rhinoviruses more efficient at replicating. Another study also found that a 3-day drop in temperature and humidity increased the risk of rhinovirus infection in study participants.
In addition, if you are caught in the rain, the cold temperature and prolonged wetness can make you shiver and lower your immunity. The body has difficulty regulating temperature in cold weather. Because the body is wet with rain and sweat, the body loses heat as it continues to evaporate moisture from the skin. Decreased immunity also makes it difficult for your body to fight off viruses, making you more susceptible to infection.
Then, we know that in cold weather and rainy season, many people tend to spend time indoors. If they are in the same room for a long time with someone who is coughing and cold or flu, it will increase their risk of contracting the disease.
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How to Avoid Getting Sick in the Rainy Season
Check the weather forecast
Before going out, be sure to check the temperature and weather forecast. You can choose appropriate clothing, avoid heavy rain or prepare gear that helps protect your body and keep you warm.
Wear a reaincoat
In addition to carrying an umbrella, you also need to prepare a raincoat. A waterproof raincoat can help keep you dry and warm while outdoors.
Avoid cotton clothing materials
Cotton clothing tends to be good at wicking away sweat so it's good to wear when it's hot, but it can make you wet and cold in rainy weather. Cotton fabrics are water-absorbent and make the body lose heat faster, as the body tries to evaporate water and moisture from the skin. This can make you uncomfortable and increase your risk of catching a cold.
Use other clothing materials that can absorb moisture during the rainy season such as wool, nylon, or polyester. These clothes will keep you warm and comfortable.
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Wearing a cap or a hat
The body loses some heat through the head faster in cold weather. Keep the upper body area warm by wearing a hat. Hats not only protect your hair, but keep your head warm and dry.
Choose warming foods
Some foods and drinks can help keep your body warm and relieve symptoms of malaise. You can choose foods such as warm decaffeinated tea, herbal tea, water with a squeeze of lemon, or soup and chicken broth.
Taking supplements
Some supplements can support immune health so you don't get sick as easily. You can take vitamin C, which helps reduce the duration of colds and fight viral respiratory infections; or vitamin D, which can protect you from respiratory infections.
Keep in mind that supplement consumption should be consulted with your doctor first. The doctor can help recommend suitable supplements according to the body condition and the right dosage.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more information and tips regarding health, first aid, and home remedies? Click here!
Carley Millhone (2023). Does Getting Wet From Rain Make You Sick?. Available from: https://www.health.com/can-rain-make-you-sick-7504768
Jamie Eske (2023). What's the link between cold weather and the common cold?. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323431
Catherine Crider (2023). Is There Really a Connection Between Being in the Rain and Getting a Cold?. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-and-flu/can-you-get-a-cold-from-rain
Mayo Clinic (2023). Common cold. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/symptoms-causes/syc-20351605
Cleveland Clinic (2022). Flu (Influenza). Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4335-influenza-flu
Elizabeth M. Ward, RD, MS (2023). Best (and Worst) Drinks When You Have a Cold. Available from: https://symptoms.webmd.com/cold-flu-map/how-to-stay-hydrated-when-youre-sick
Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, LD (2023). These 7 Supplements Could Help You Fend Off a Seasonal Cold, Experts Say. Available from: https://www.health.com/supplements-for-colds-7973466
