Vitamin D, Vitamin D Deficiency and Sleep Disorders
July 20, 2022
Most Common Monsoon Diseases- Symptoms and Prevention
The rainy season gives a welcome relief after scorching summer days. While a dip in temperature is highly desirable, the onset of monsoon brings with it a number of vector-borne diseases like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Vectors are small organisms such as mosquitoes, bugs, and ticks that can carry a disease from person to person.
Several infectious diseases thrive just after the monsoon rains and the risk of catching these diseases also becomes very high due to unhygienic conditions and non-adherence to basic prevention measures. The monsoon season also causes a spike in the case of flu and seasonal fever. These diseases could be life-threatening in some cases and entail huge expenses for treatment.
It is important to take the right precautionary measures at the right time, you can protect yourself from most of these diseases. Read on to find out more about these diseases and what you can do to stay safe and healthy in this monsoon.
Malaria: Malaria, the most common disease of this season is caused by the bite of infected mosquitoes. Monsoon is the breeding season for mosquitoes, Plasmodium, is the malaria-causing parasite that breeds in water bodies or streams. Malaria can be diagnosed with the help of microscopic examination of blood or with Antigen-based diagnostic tests. Its symptoms include fever, chills, body aches, and sweating. Symptoms may range from mild to severe.
Preventions
- Wear full sleeves to avoid mosquito bites
- Apply mosquito repellent ointments
- Keep regular checks on waterlogging to avoid mosquito breeding
- Indoor residual spraying can be highly effective in preventing malaria.
Dengue: Dengue is caused by an Aedes Aegypty, which typically bites early in the morning or at dawn. Dengue mosquito breeds in clean and fresh water and usually bite in the daytime. Symptoms of Dengue include severe joint pain, muscle pain, fever, headache, weakness, and even rashes.
Preventions
- Strong anti-repellent can be applied to prevent getting bitten
- Wearing full sleeves clothes is advisable
- Avoid water accumulation
Influenza: It is commonly known as the seasonal “flu”. Due to the spread of the virus in the air, it becomes a highly contagious disease. It usually affects the nose and the throat. Its symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, body ache, sour throat, and fever. It is advisable to consult a doctor and get the required medication.
Prevention
- It is advisable to have a healthy and nutritious diet on a regular basis which will improve the body resistance and make the immune system strong.
Jaundice: It is a water-borne disease, and is contracted through contaminated food, water, and poor sanitation. Its symptoms include yellowing of eyes, yellow urine, weakness, fatigue, and liver dysfunctioning.
Prevention
- Vaccination against Hepatitis B
- Alcohol consumption should be kept in check
- Maintain proper sanitation and hygiene
- Maintain healthy weight
- Take clean and fresh food
Cholera: It is mainly caused due to poor sanitation and consumption of contaminated food. Its major symptoms include severe diarrhea, dehydration along with liquid stool, muscle ache, and weight loss.
Prevention
- Drink boiled and purified water
- Take Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)
- Prepare food using purified water
- Wash hands regularly
Typhoid: Typhoid is another waterborne bacterial infection caused due to contamination of food and water. Symptoms include prolonged fever, abdomen pains, vomiting, and headache. Poor hygiene and poor sanitation are the main causes of this highly infectious and communicable disease.
Prevention
- Avoid street food and drinks
- Wash your hands in hot water
- Drink purified or distilled water
- Prepare food in boiled or purified water
Viral Fever: Any fever caused by a virus is called viral fever. Sudden changes in weather conditions often tend to cause viral infections. Its symptoms include fever, fatigue, weakness, and body aches. Generally, the viral fever lasts for 3 to 7 days. One should consult a doctor if the discomfort stays for a longer period.
Prevention
- Wash hands often
- Eat green leafy vegetables
- Take food rich in vitamin C
Prevention is always better than cure. It is advisable to consult a doctor if the symptoms persist for a longer period of time.
Medical Tests and Health Check-ups Available At House of Diagnostics (HOD).
Data Sources:
- https://www.indushealthplus.com/common-monsoon-diseases-prevention-tips.html
- https://www.medanta.org/patient-education-blog/monsoon-illnesses-in-india-all-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.metropolisindia.com/blog/prevention-healthcare/common-monsoon-diseases-and-tips-for-prevention/
