Monsoon Health Tips: Common Infectious Diseases, Symptoms & Preventive Steps

While monsoon gives us respite from the scorching heat of summer and nature blooms and blooms, unfortunately, it is also the time when your health can take a toll due to infectious diseases that one can easily catch. So while you enjoy the rainy season, it is necessary to take precautions and protect yourself and your family from various infections. Dr. Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, talks about common monsoon infections, their symptoms and preventive measures.

Monsoon diseases, symptoms, do’s and don’ts

Dr. Tushar Tayal lists some of the commonly encountered monsoon ailments:

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Influenza:

• It is commonly known as flu, occurs during the monsoon season, and is highly contagious due to the spread of the virus in the air.
• Symptoms of influenza include runny or stuffy nose, body aches, sore and sore throat, and fever.
• Treatment of influenza is symptomatic and does not require antibiotics.

Typhoid:

• It is a waterborne bacterial infection caused by a bacteria called Salmonella. The disease is spread by consuming food or water contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.
• Symptoms of typhoid include high fever lasting more than five days, severe abdominal pain, headache, vomiting and loose stools or constipation. If left untreated, typhoid can prove fatal.
• The primary treatment of typhoid involves giving antibiotics for a period of 10-14 days.

hepatitis A:

• It is a liver disease caused by exposure to the Hepatitis A virus.
• It is spread mainly through contaminated food or water, and can also be spread by flying insects.
• Symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), abdominal pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and fatigue.
• Treatment of hepatitis A is mainly symptomatic and does not require the use of antibiotics.

dengue fever:

• It is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of an infected tiger mosquito (Aedes aegypti), which has black and white stripes and usually bites in the early morning or at dawn.
• Symptoms of dengue fever include severe joint and muscle pain, headache, fever, rash, back pain, eye pain, nausea and bleeding.
• A complication of dengue fever is called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which is commonly seen in pregnant women, the elderly and young children.
• There are no specific antibiotics or antiviral drugs to treat dengue fever.
• Rest and fluid intake (oral rehydration) is extremely important.
• Pain relievers such as paracetamol (650 mg) can be taken every 4-5 hours, while disprin and antibiotics should be avoided.

Malaria:

• Mosquitoes are the reason for the spread of this disease.
• Common symptoms of malaria include fever, body aches, chills and profuse sweating.
• If left untreated, malaria can lead to complications such as jaundice, severe anemia, or even liver and kidney failure.
• Use of antimalarial drugs is prescribed for the treatment of malaria.
• Antibiotics do not play any role in the treatment of malaria.

Gastroenteritis and food poisoning:

• These are common in the monsoon season.
• Symptoms of these conditions include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, and fever.
• The primary treatment for gastroenteritis and food poisoning is hydration, with the recommended intake of 250 ml of oral fluid for each loose stool.
• Following a light diet including foods such as rice, yogurt and fruits such as bananas, apples and coconut water may help.
• Oral rehydration solution (ORS) can be used to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
• Antibiotics should be taken only after consulting a doctor.

Also Read: Office Exercises: 4 Desk-Friendly Stretches To Avoid Bad Posture And Stay Fit

Preventive Health Measures in Monsoon

Dr. Tushar Tayal has listed the following preventive measures that one can follow to stay away from diseases during the rainy season:

• Drink only boiled water or purified water to avoid waterborne diseases.
• Avoid stagnant water in and around your home to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue when you cough or sneeze to reduce the spread of respiratory infections.
• Use mosquito repellents and nets, as mosquitoes that spread dengue are active during the day while those that spread malaria are active at night.
• Keep your clothes dry and use antifungal powder to prevent fungal skin infections.
• To reduce the risk of foodborne diseases, eat freshly prepared food and avoid eating food from roadside vendors.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption to remove any potential contaminants.
• Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid and influenza as a way to prevent these diseases.