Monsoon & Immunity: Why Vitamin C Matters During the Rainy Season

Immune Health

August 14, 2026

The monsoon season brings much-needed relief from the summer heat, but it can also make us more vulnerable to common illnesses. Increased humidity, changing temperatures, and waterlogging create an environment where bacteria, viruses, and fungi can thrive, raising the risk of infections. 1 Studies suggest that people exposed to rain and sudden temperature fluctuations may have a higher likelihood of developing respiratory infections. 2

The cool, damp weather can also affect the body’s natural defences, making colds, coughs, allergies, and skin infections more common during this time. 3 This is why maintaining good health and supporting immunity become especially important during the monsoon. 4

Among the many nutrients that contribute to overall health, Vitamin C plays an important role in supporting the normal functioning of the immune system.5 It also helps support the activity of various immune cells, protects cells from oxidative stress, and contributes to collagen formation, which is essential for maintaining healthy skin and tissues. 5

Simple habits such as eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, getting adequate sleep, practising good hygiene, and consuming nutrient-rich foods can go a long way in helping you stay healthy throughout the season.

Why are seasonal illnesses more common during the monsoon?

The rainy season creates conditions that make it easier for infections to spread. Contaminated food and water, stagnant water that serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and prolonged exposure to damp conditions can all increase the risk of falling ill. In addition, changes in weather patterns and reduced sunlight during the season may influence overall wellbeing and resilience.

Some of the most common health concerns during the monsoon include: 6

  • Colds, coughs, and other respiratory infections
  • Viral fevers
  • Stomach and intestinal infections
  • Seasonal allergies
  • Skin infections and fungal conditions

The role of Vitamin C in health and well being

As seasonal illnesses become more common during the monsoon, maintaining adequate nutritional intake is important for supporting overall health.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient that contributes to the normal function of the immune system and helps protect cells from oxidative stress. It also supports wound healing and collagen production, both of which are important for maintaining healthy skin. 5

Unlike some nutrients, Vitamin C cannot be produced by the body and therefore needs to be obtained regularly through the diet. Including Vitamin C-rich foods in everyday meals can help support daily nutritional requirements, particularly during seasons when the body may be exposed to additional environmental stressors.

Excellent dietary sources of Vitamin C include:

  • Amla (Indian gooseberry)
  • Guava
  • Oranges and other citrus fruits
  • Sweet lime (mosambi)
  • Tomatoes
  • Bell peppers
  • Kiwi fruit
  • Strawberries
  • Broccoli

Supporting health during the monsoon

Simple daily habits can help reduce the risk of seasonal illnesses:

  • Maintain good personal hygiene and wash hands regularly.
  • Stay well hydrated by drinking clean, safe water.
  • Eat freshly prepared, balanced meals rich in fruits and vegetables, including Vitamin C-rich foods such as amla, guava, citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers.
  • Stay physically active and get adequate rest.
  • Keep your skin clean and dry to reduce the risk of fungal infections.
  • Ensure regular consumption of nutrient-dense foods that support overall wellbeing and immune health.

At the same time, it is important to:

  • Avoid eating unwashed fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid consuming stale or improperly stored food.
  • Limit frequent intake of deep-fried and heavily processed foods.
  • Prevent stagnant water from collecting around the home to help reduce mosquito breeding.

Towards Better Health This Monsoon

A Vitamin C rich diet is important throughout the year and especially during this season because of its role in supporting normal immune function, protecting cells from oxidative stress, and helping maintain healthy skin. 5 Including Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables as part of a varied and balanced diet, alongside other healthy lifestyle practices, can help support overall wellbeing throughout the monsoon season.

References

  1. Guarnieri G, Olivieri B, Senna G, Vianello A. Relative Humidity and Its Impact on the Immune System and Infections. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 May 29;24(11):9456. doi: 10.3390/ijms24119456. PMID: 37298409; PMCID: PMC10253274.
  2. Lee H, Yoon HY. Impact of ambient temperature on respiratory disease: a case-crossover study in Seoul. Respir Res. 2024 Feb 5;25(1):73. doi: 10.1186/s12931-024-02699-0. PMID: 38317208; PMCID: PMC10845516.
  3. Yu S, Bigambo FM, Zhou Z, Mzava SM, Qin H, Gao L, Wang X. Impact of temperature and relative humidity variability on children’s allergic diseases and critical time window identification. BMC Public Health. 2024 Jul 31;24(1):2068. doi: 10.1186/s12889-024-19573-9. PMID: 39085846; PMCID: PMC11293014.
  4. Paynter S, Ware RS, Sly PD, Williams G, Weinstein P. Seasonal immune modulation in humans: observed patterns and potential environmental drivers. J Infect. 2015 Jan;70(1):1-10. doi: 10.1016/j.jinf.2014.09.006. Epub 2014 Sep 22. PMID: 25246360.
  5. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID: PMC5707683.
  6. Chowdhury FR, Ibrahim QSU, Bari MS, Alam MMJ, Dunachie SJ, Rodriguez-Morales AJ, Patwary MI. The association between temperature, rainfall and humidity with common climate-sensitive infectious diseases in Bangladesh. PLoS One. 2018 Jun 21;13(6):e0199579. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199579. Erratum in: PLoS One. 2020 Apr 21;15(4):e0232285. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0232285. PMID: 29928056; PMCID: PMC6013221.

Disclaimer: The information mentioned in this document is only suggestive /for patient education and shall not be considered as a substitute for doctor’s advice or recommendations from Abbott. Please consult your doctor for more information.

IN-26-20203 25 AUG 2026