Monsoon health tips: The ultimate guide to ensure children’s physical and mental wellness in rainy season

Floating paper boats, jumping in puddles, getting soaked in the rain - these are some outdoor memories that shape the monsoon season for many children. However, the romanticisation of these experiences often leads to overlooking the health risks they pose.

As the monsoon season takes over different parts of the country, monsoon illnesses and lifestyle changes come as part of the package. The seasonal change can affect children's physical and mental health, necessitating a holistic approach towards their wellness that includes preventative measures as well as alternative routines and activities to navigate monsoon-specific challenges.

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Mid-day.com speaks to health experts, who provide a holistic guide to children's well-being during monsoon.

Common diseases to look out for

Children are more susceptible to respiratory, food and vector-borne infections during monsoon.

"There could be various factors hampering children's overall well-being such as increased humidity and contamination of water. The risk of water and food contamination significantly rises during monsoon due to pathogens like germs, viruses, bacteria, pollutants, dust particles, and pollens," explains Dr Amit P Ghawade, Consultant- Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, Kharghar, Mumbai.

"Increased humidity and dampness in the weather is an ideal ground for pathogens and mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti and female Anopheles mosquito which are known to cause dengue and malaria," he adds.

He further informs that constant changes in weather and atmospheric pressure increase the chances of respiratory infections like cold, flu, acute bronchitis, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, etc.

Other diseases that children may be susceptible to include:
• Chikungunya
• Viral fever
• Diarrhea
• Cholera
• Typhoid
• Gastroenteritis
• Influenza.

Activities to avoid

While monsoon may incite excitement in children to try different things, doctors recommend certain activities should be completely avoided.

"One of the most overlooked activities during monsoon that can harm children's health is playing in stagnant water," says Dr. Ghawade, adding, "While it may seem fun and joyful to kids, it causes more harm to their overall well-being."

Here's how.

During monsoon, polluted water tends to accumulate around areas like puddles, slides, gardens, schoolyards, streets, swimming pools, and parking lots. This can lead to skin infections and problems like inflammation, redness, itching, and increased sensitivity.

Furthermore, if this contaminated water is mistakenly ingested, it can result in health issues like episodes of vomiting, upset stomach, stomach pain, fever, cold, bloating, gas, constipation, and nasal congestion.

Monsoon health tips for children

Dr. Ghawade shares essential tips that can help keep children safe from health-related issues in monsoon.

• Boiling water can be effective in eliminating the presence of pathogens in the water.
• Make sure to dress your little ones in appropriate clothes with fabrics that provide warmth during cold weather of monsoon.
• Parents are advised to apply a generous layer of mosquito repellent on their kids' clothes before stepping outdoors to protect them from coming in contact with mosquitoes.
• Children should be given foods that are healthy to sustain throughout the monsoon without falling ill. They are more likely to fall sick as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. It is crucial to incorporate foods that contain essential nutrients like minerals and vitamins. This can be found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein to strengthen their immune system during monsoon season. Adding soups to their meals can help keep them warm and healthy.

How monsoon affects children's mental health

During monsoon, focus tends to be on preventing diseases and ensuring physical well-being. However, what often goes overlooked is the rainy season's impact on mental health, especially among children. Monsoon can affect their emotional well-being, daily routines and overall sense of comfort and security.

"There is actually a medical term called seasonal depression or SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). Dark, wet and cold weather contribute to low serotonin levels resulting in depressive thoughts and feelings. And this is not just in adults but children also go through the wrath of harsh rains during monsoons," reveals Noida-based parent coach and child psychologist Deepannita Chakraborty.

Riddhi Doshi Patel, a Mumbai-based child psychologist, explains, "The seasonal shift during monsoon often brings about changes in weather patterns. The alteration in natural light exposure can disrupt children's circadian rhythms and serotonin levels, potentially leading to mood swings, irritability, or even symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). The reduced sunlight and prolonged periods of gloomy weather may contribute to feelings of sadness and low energy in some children, affecting their overall mood and motivation."

Patel shares other ways in which monsoon affects children's mental health.

• Monsoon season disrupts the regular routines and activities that children rely on for structure and stability. School closures due to heavy rainfall can interrupt their academic schedules, causing uncertainty. Restrictions on outdoor play further limit opportunities for physical activity and social interaction, which are crucial for children's development and mental well-being.

• The heightened risk of illnesses during monsoon season, such as colds, flu, and waterborne diseases, can increase children's anxiety about their health and safety. Parents often emphasize hygiene practices to prevent illnesses, which heightens children's awareness of potential health risks, but may also lead to feelings of fear or hypervigilance.

• Social isolation may intensify during monsoon season as children spend more time indoors and have fewer opportunities to interact with peers. This lack of social engagement can contribute to feelings of loneliness, boredom, or frustration.

Incorporating physical activity

Physical and mental health are two interconnected parts of well-being. During monsoon season, it becomes tough for children to get enough physical activity due to the challenges of stepping out of the house.

"This can impact their mobility leading to limited physical activity, which can further take a toll on their overall physical and mental health," says Dr. Ghawade.

"Parents can encourage their children to engage in physical activities by planning fun activities and indoor games to cheer them up while ensuring mobility," he adds.

Can't go outdoors? Fun indoor activities to do instead

Parents can ensure mobility and brain engagement through several indoor activities. Experts share some ideas.

"Some interesting indoor activities through which mobility can be ensured are scavenger hunts, dance competitions, musical chairs, hopscotch, build a fort, hide and seek, yoga, spot jogging, relay race, and indoor cricket to keep the children engaged while ensuring they do not sit in front of electronics devices for hours," suggests Dr. Ghawade.

Patel feels there are multiple things a parent can do with the child staying indoors. "Some festivals also fall during this period. Hence, parents have an advantage of involving their children in preparations and celebrations," she states.

Other possible activities include:

• Craft or drawing
• Reading books and creating book reviews
• Cooking or baking
• Aspects of practical life skills like changing bulbs, etc., can be taught
• Science experiments
• DIY activities
• Initiating the concept of family time
• Board games

Chakraborty suggests more activities that can keep the little ones engaged at home during monsoon.

• A dance party with family members can be a good way to kill boredom and boost the mood.
• Cozy playdates with colony friends can be another way to keep children engaged.
• Engaging in Yoga or simple stretching exercises can be beneficial for the overall mood of the home.

Also read: Monsoon illnesses: Vaccines and diet tips for women to combat lupus, arthritis