The monsoon brings on raindrops, samosas, and many diseases. We are used to the flu season, our favorite monsoon season in disguise. So now is the perfect moment to put the maxim “prevention is better than cure” into action.
Compared to other seasons, the chance of acquiring a variety of viruses, germs, and other diseases doubles during the monsoon. As discussed, one of the best ways to prevent monsoon diseases is to visit the best hospital in Hyderabad when any symptoms arise. This is because the spread of many diseases is facilitated by increased air moisture, humidity, and dampness, which promote the growth of microbes like mold, fungi, and bacteria, as well as harmful germs.
Many rainy season diseases are not detected until they seriously affect a person’s health. However, you may stay safe during India’s dangerous disease season by practicing early detection and some simple preventive and hygiene measures.
The Most Common Diseases of Monsoon
In the rainy season, colds and flu are common illnesses often brought on by temperature changes. As a student, employee, or parent, you must safeguard yourself from these diseases and avoid being ill. The common monsoon diseases listed below are ones you should be aware of during this muddy, rainy season:
1. Dengue
Aedes aegypti mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus can infect humans through bites. India experiences a lot of it during the rainy season and reported 1.64 lakh incidents in 2021. Therefore, keep your doors and windows closed between dusk and dawn since the Aedes Aegypti mosquito often flies around then. Additionally, be careful not to leave stagnant water alone for too long because buckets, flower vases, water coolers, and open barrels are breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
Symptoms:
- Rash
- Red Eyes
- Headache
- Sore Throat
- High-Grade Fever
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Joint and Muscle Ache
To keep this mosquito out of your workspace or house, use insect repellents and mosquito-repelling plants like citronella. In addition, it will be beneficial to dress in clothing that covers your complete body.
2. Malaria
Anopheles mosquitos spread malaria. The monsoon season is when Anopheles minimus, the parasite that causes malaria, reproduces. This condition is primarily brought on by waterlogging since the mosquito breeds in waterways and streams, resulting in a severe fever (up to 105 degrees Celsius) that can last for many days.
Symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heartbeat
- Abdominal pain
- Joint or muscle pain
- Feeling of discomfort
Few types cause malaria, and Plasmodium falciparum type is one of the fatal parasites; it can cause health complications such as low blood sugar levels, organ failure, respiratory problems, anemia, and cerebral malaria. During diagnosis, the doctor will inquire about your recent travel experiences, medical history, and age. They will also recommend a few blood tests you must get done immediately. Once confirmed, they will recommend taking prescription medications to address your condition.
3. Chikungunya
Chikungunya is primarily spread by mosquitoes that hatch in stagnant water found in air conditioners, refrigerators, plants, utensils, and water pipes. Aedes albopictus mosquitoes spread this disease by their bite. This mosquito can bite you both during the day and at night. Fever and joint discomfort are two of the most typical signs of chikungunya.
Symptoms:
- Nausea
- High Fever
- Headache
- Rash or skin bumps
- Debilitating joint pain
- Myalgia (muscular pain)
- Aggravated arthritis pain
- Conjunctivitis (pink, watery eyes)
The effective way of avoiding chikungunya is by cleaning up surfaces or containers with stagnant water and applying insect repellent regardless of day or night.
4. Typhoid
Salmonella typhi, which causes typhoid, is a water-borne illness that spreads because of poor sanitation and eating or drinking contaminated foods. During the monsoon season, typhoid disease is highly contagious.
Symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- Aches and pains
- Reduced appetite
- High Fever – 104 degrees
The most likely causes of this illness are polluted food and water. You can avoid having typhoid by carrying hand sanitizer with you at all times, staying away from street food, and taking plenty of water.
5. Cholera
Yet another monsoon disease was brought on by consuming contaminated food and water. Cholera is one of several diseases carried on by poor sanitation and hygiene. The most typical sign of this monsoon sickness is diarrhea and loose stools.
Symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Low blood pressure
- Loss of skin elasticity
- Nausea and Vomiting
Cholera dehydration can cause irritation, weariness, sunken eyes, a dry mouth, intense thirst, dry, shriveled skin, little to no urination, low blood pressure, and irregular heartbeats. While some people may recover with minor symptoms, others may experience severe or fatal effects.
6. Viral Fever
Viral fever is a common symptom throughout the year, but they are most common during the monsoon season. Symptoms including high Fever, a cold, and cough are usual. This could persist for three to seven days. However, it is always advisable to consult doctor before making any diagnosis.
Symptoms:
- Chills
- Sweating
- Headache
- Dehydration
- Loss of Appetite
- A Feeling of Weakness
- Muscle Aches and Pains
Viral fevers typically don’t need any special medical attention. This is because they are not responsive to antibiotics, in contrast to bacterial illnesses. So instead, the goal of treatment is typically to reduce your symptoms.
7. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is carried on by the bacteria Leptospira interrogans. Numerous animals carry the bacterium in their kidneys. Through their urine, it finds its way into the ground and water. Leptospirosis, also called Weil’s illness, is brought on by coming into touch with contaminated water or mud.
Symptoms:
- fever
- Shivers
- headache
- muscle pain
- Inflammation
To prevent catching this illness, it is best to cover any scratches or bruises you may have before going outside.
8. Stomach Infections
During the monsoon season, you should expect to have a few concerns with your stomach or digestive health. This is due to the possibility that the humid weather and an increase in bacterial and viral activity in your environment could muck up your stomach, cause slow digestion, and occasionally even result in infection. Some of the conditions include:
- Ulcers
- Acidity
- Indigestion
- Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Contrarily, maintaining good health during the monsoon can be achieved by taking the appropriate precautions at the proper time. Therefore, understanding why our bodies are more prone to injury during the rainy season is essential, as is knowing about rainy season diseases and prevention for a calculated diagnosis and treatment.
9. Jaundice
Jaundice is a water-borne disease that causes liver failure and is spread by contaminated food and water as well as poor hygiene. The skin, mucous membranes, and eye whites turn yellow when the body does not correctly metabolize bilirubin. The most common cause of jaundice is an underlying illness that overworks the liver or prevents it from excreting bilirubin.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Yellow Urine
- Yellowing of the Eyes
- Weakness and Weariness
The most straightforward approach to prevent this illness is to drink boiled water, stick to home-cooked meals, and stay away from street food as much as possible.
10. Cold and Flu
The sudden temperature variations of the monsoon cause the two most seasonal diseases, the cold and the flu. Colds and influenza (flu) are infections of the upper respiratory system, which encompasses the nose, mouth, throat, and lungs. Immune system vulnerabilities make people more prone to conditions resulting from cold and flu.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Chills
- Sore Throat
- Runny Nose
- Watery Eyes.
The best ways to prevent being sick are to eat well, exercise, get plenty of rest, drink a lot of fluids (aim for eight 8-ounce glasses each day), and stay away from sick people. Additionally, get a yearly flu shot.
The Final Word
Regarding rainy season precautions, eating at home-cooked meals and avoiding junk food is the best approach for good and safe health. In addition, maintain a balanced diet low in spices and fats, engage in frequent exercise, and avoid consuming untreated or unpackaged outdoor water. Because you can get sick regularly during the rainy season, it is crucial to protect yourself. Therefore, whenever you leave the house, it is always preferable to be cautious and ready.
