The rainy season may have its charms: the cool weather and the magnified pleasure of a cup of hot coffee. But it has dangers primarily in the form of diseases like dengue and in infectious bacteria and viruses that become active due to the high humidity brought about by repeated spells of rain. There are simple precautions we can take to stay in peak health condition during this tricky season.

1. Wash your hands: Bacteria and viruses come alive during the monsoon and you can come into contact with them just by crossing the road or holding on to an infected railing or bench. Wash your hands as frequently as you can with soap and warm water.

2. Don't touch your face: The flu virus commonly enters our body through the eyes, nose and mouth. Resist the urge to scratch your eye or wipe your sweaty forehead. Bring a clean napkin or handkerchief instead.

3. Protect yourself from dirty water: Clogged gutters and dirty puddles are a common sight during rainy season. Unfortunately, they are sources of water-borne diseases. Covering up is the best way to protect yourself from these diseases.

4. Avoid eating street food: While jhaal muri, chotpoti and fuchka sold in the streets sound like a good idea any time of the year, the rainy season is when you should stay away from them. Food cooked and sold in the open air are likely to come in contact with airborne and waterborne diseases and bacteria.

5. Keep mosquitoes out: The mosquito population grows during monsoon because stagnant water becomes more common. To keep mosquitoes out of your life, do some housecleaning. Look through flower pots, fountains, nooks and crannies that may be holding stagnant water. Clean them out and cover them until the end of the season.