Children are more likely to have stomach problems during the rainy season. Bacteria and viruses grow rapidly in food items in humid conditions. According to experts, diseases like diarrhea are more common in children due to contaminated food and water during the monsoon. Children between 0 and 12 years of age are more susceptible to food poisoning due to their weak immunity. There is a fear of dehydration in the body due to vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain during this season, so it is important to be cautious.
Contaminated water and drinking water
Drinking water gets contaminated due to the mixing of dirt and sewage in rainwater. Sometimes the water looks clean, but it contains germs. When children drink such contaminated water, stomach infections can spread. Contaminated water can cause diarrhea, stomach pain, and vomiting in children. Therefore, children should always be given boiled or filtered water during the rainy season.
Increased humidity and germ growth
Due to increased humidity in the air during the monsoon, bacteria and fungi easily grow on food items. In this humid environment, even freshly cooked food can spoil quickly. If even a little dirt or germs remain in the food, it can make children victims of food poisoning. Due to this, food prepared in the rainy season can become poisonous if not cooled or kept open immediately.
Poorly stored or stale food
If the leftover food is not stored properly in the rainy season, it becomes stale quickly. The food cooked in the wet season rots and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. If children eat such stale or reheated food, they may suffer from vomiting, diarrhea, and severe stomach pain. Therefore, always keep cooked food in airtight containers, and do not leave it in the room for a long time.
Raw or undercooked food and dairy products
Raw or undercooked food becomes very dangerous in the rainy season. Bacteria quickly grow on cut fruits and vegetables kept in the open. Undercooked meat or raw eggs contain bacteria like Salmonella. Any undercooked or raw food should not be given to the child. Similarly, contaminated formula milk or raw milk can also be fatal. Curd and buttermilk also turn sour quickly in the rain. Due to all these reasons, raw or undercooked food can cause stomach infection, so always feed well-cooked and fresh food.
Street and outside food
Street food becomes even more unhygienic in the rainy season. Snacks like samosas, golgappas, or chaat are kept in the open in the rain, and flies sit on them. Dust and bacteria accumulate in these food items. When children eat such food, they can immediately get stomach pain and diarrhea. Therefore, avoid buying any outside food during the rainy season and feed only fresh homemade food.
Lack of hand hygiene
Young children often do not wash their hands before eating or after playing. Food licked by dirty hands can bring executioners (dangerous bacteria) into the stomach. For example, bacteria stuck to feces and urine, etc., can remain on the hands. When a child eats with such hands, he may get food poisoning. Therefore, it is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating and after using the toilet, even in the rainy season.
Weak immunity
During the monsoon, the immune system of children becomes weaker than normal. When the weather changes, their digestive system and immune system start working slowly. In such a situation, even minor bacteria can spread infection in their stomach. Due to weak immunity, the child falls ill quickly, and the symptoms of food poisoning increase rapidly. Keeping these things in mind, we can take precautions and keep children safe during the rainy season.
