Common Monsoon Diseases and Their Health Precautions

As the first raindrops of the monsoon season hit the ground, the landscape transforms into a lush, green paradise. While the monsoon brings relief from the scorching summer heat and fills our rivers and lakes, it also ushers in a host of health challenges. The warm and humid climate of the monsoon season creates the perfect breeding ground for various pathogens, leading to an increase in infectious diseases. Understanding these common monsoon diseases and taking appropriate health precautions, especially for children, is essential to enjoy this season safely.

Tables of Contents

Common Monsoon Diseases

• Dengue Fever
  Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease caused by the Aedes mosquito, which thrives in stagnant water. It may show symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, as well as rashes. In severe cases, dengue can cause dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which needs immediate medical care.
• Malaria
  Another mosquito-borne disease, malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms typically include high fever, chills, sweating, headache, nausea, and vomiting. If not treated promptly, malaria can lead to severe complications, including cerebral malaria and organ failure.
• Leptospirosis
  Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. It is common during the monsoon when people wade through flooded areas. Symptoms range from mild fever, headache, and muscle pain to severe complications like kidney damage, liver failure, and meningitis.
• Cholera
  Acute diarrheal sickness known as cholera is brought on by consuming food or water tainted with the Vibrio cholerae bacteria.It is highly contagious and can cause diarrhea, vomiting, muscle cramps or severe dehydration if not treated promptly.
• Typhoid Fever
  Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, typically spread through contaminated food and water. Symptoms include prolonged fever, stomach pain, headache,weakness, and loss of appetite. Severe cases can lead to intestinal perforation and hemorrhage.
• Viral Fever
  The monsoon season sees a spike in various viral infections that cause high fever, body aches, fatigue, and respiratory symptoms. Common viral infections include the flu and other respiratory viruses, which spread more easily due to the humid conditions and close human contact during the rainy season.
• Hepatitis A
  Hepatitis A is a liver infection caused by the Hepatitis A virus, often spread through consumption of contaminated food and water. Symptoms include fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, and jaundice. Good sanitation and hygiene practices can help prevent its spread.

General Monsoon Health Precautions

Children, pregnant women and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to monsoon diseases due to their weakened immune system. Here are some essential health precautions to keep them safe during the rainy season:

• Avoid Stagnant Water
  Ensure that children stay away from stagnant water, which is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Use mosquito nets, repellents, and ensure there are no water collections around your home.
• Maintain Hygiene
  Teach children the importance of washing hands regularly with soap, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Good hand hygiene can prevent the spread of many infections.
• Drink Clean Water
  Always provide children with boiled or filtered water to drink. Avoid giving them untreated water from unknown sources to prevent waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
• Eat Freshly Cooked Food
  Ensure that children consume freshly cooked meals and avoid street food, which may be contaminated. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
• Keep Surroundings Clean
  Maintain a clean living environment to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes and other pests. Dispose of garbage properly and ensure that drains are not clogged.
• Proper Clothing
  Dress children in full-sleeved clothing and long pants to minimize mosquito bites. Using insect repellent on exposed skin can also provide an additional layer of protection.
• Stay Dry and Warm
  Keep children dry during the rainy season to prevent fungal infections and common colds. Ensure they wear waterproof footwear and raincoats when going outside.
• Boost Immunity
  Provide a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to boost children’s immunity. Encourage them to consume seasonal fruits and vegetables that are high in nutrients.

It is essential to take regular health precautions to protect your family from the common monsoon diseases. If you or someone you know develops any serious symptoms of monsoon diseases you must seek medical care and not rely on home remedies. It is important to know the underlying cause behind a fever and seek appropriate care. Reach out to medical experts at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital to assist you with simple as well as complex health concerns. Call 022 42696969 for appointments or visit our website for further details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com

With the rains and the cool breeze, the monsoon brings a refreshing change to the environment. However, the rainy season may also make you sick because of the high humidity levels, mosquito breeding, water logging and infectious bacteria and viruses in the environment. Some of the most common infectious monsoon diseases are malaria, dengue fever, influenza, chikungunya, and leptospirosis. You will be surprised to know that in the last six years in Mumbai, leptospirosis has killed more people than malaria and dengue. During this period, this disease has caused death in 70 people, while dengue fever has caused death in 55 people and malaria 38 people respectively. It is time to be cautious and take the necessary health precautions this season to protect yourself and your family.

Monsoon Precautions

Follow these health precautions to protect yourself from common monsoon diseases:

• Keep mosquitoes away
  Keep your surroundings clean and clear any stagnant water to help discourage breeding grounds for mosquitoes that are carriers for several life-threatening diseases. Use insect repellents, fumigate your area, and wear full sleeved clothes to protect yourself from dengue and malaria.
• Keep your hands clean
  Infectious diseases such as cold, cough and flu tend to spread easily from one person to another through contaminated hands. As a result, it is critical that you keep your hands clean at all times. Encourage children to practice good hand hygiene because they are at a higher risk of contracting monsoon-related illnesses.
• Wear good quality footwear
  One of the most important precautions to take during the rainy season is to wear rain appropriate footwear that is comfortable, well-fitting and does not easily slip. This helps reduce the risk of accidental falls and injuries.
• Avoid street foods
  Outside foods tend to be prepared in unhygienic conditions and are prone to various infestations. The vegetables and water used to make the roadside food might get exposed to constant humidity and can even be contaminated. It is recommended that you consume home-prepared foods to stay healthy this season.
• Wash raw fruits and vegetables 
  Rinse fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water to remove the dirt and germs. It is also advisable to consume vegetables that have been thoroughly cooked or boiled.
• Do not delay diagnostic tests
  Many diseases show common symptoms of fever, cold-like symptoms, joint and muscle pain. Avoid self-medications as this may delay the diagnosis and further treatment. Get the diagnostic tests done as recommended by your doctor on time.

Monsoon – Healthy eating tips

The right diet can help strengthen your immunity and reduces your risk of getting seasonal infections. Here are a few healthy eating tips for monsoon:

• Drink boiled water
  The monsoon season sees an increase in cases of digestive disorders due to high chances of water contamination. It is safe to use a water purifier or drink boiled water at all times. When you step outdoors, carry your own bottle.
• Keep yourself well-hydrated
  Dehydration is a risk during the monsoon season. As a result, staying hydrated during the monsoon is essential for maintaining good health and avoiding seasonal diseases. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water as well as nutritious beverages like nimbu paani or fruit smoothies.
• Load up on probiotics
  It is recommended that you maintain a healthy gut flora at all times. Consume enough probiotics, such as curd, yoghurt, and other fermented foods. This maintains a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria in the stomach.
• Eat in moderation
  Consuming excessive amounts of food during the rainy season is not suggested because the body takes a long time to digest the meal owing to the high humidity levels. It may also cause bloating, acidity, and indigestion. Eat smaller meals frequently during the day.
• Sip warm drinks
  As the weather is pleasant, you may not be thirsty as much; but during the rainy season, remember to drink lots of water. A sufficient amount of water will aid in the removal of toxins from the body. Turmeric milk, herbal tea, soups are all hot drinks that will keep you warm and also soothe your throat.
• Increase your vitamin C intake
  Vitamin C is known to strengthen your immunity and helps fight seasonal infections. Eat oranges, lemons, amla, fresh vegetables, and broccoli for a vitamin C-rich diet.

Take these health precautions to protect yourself and your family from common monsoon illnesses. In case of any medical assistance or diagnostic tests, feel free to consult our doctors. Call 022 42696969 for appointments or visit the below link for further details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/