No doubt that monsoon brings the much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, but the humidity and rain make for a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, making us vulnerable to diseases and infections during the rainy season. I have listed the most common monsoon diseases and steps to prevent it.

Monsoon can Cause Germs to Thrive

Monsoon season leads to more germs around you due to the following reasons:

High Moisture Content: Excessive moisture in the air creates a thriving environment for the microorganisms, making you more likely to get exposed to multiple viruses, bacteria, and other infections.

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Stagnation of Rainwater: Rainwater may get accumulated in puddles, buckets, etc. which may then become a breeding ground for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of several mosquito-borne diseases.

Common Monsoon Diseases

1. Flu

Flu is a common contagious condition that occurs during the monsoon season when the weather is humid and rainy. Most people get cold and flu due to a sudden change in weather conditions.
Symptoms The symptoms may range from mild to severe.

  1. Fever or only feeling feverish
  2. Cough
  3. Sore throat
  4. Runny or stuffy nose
  5. Muscle aches and fatigue
  6. Headaches

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How to Prevent it?

  1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds.
  2. Cover your mouth or face while coughing or sneezing to prevent the infection from spreading.
  3. Maintain distance from people who are sick.
  4. Stay in a well-ventilated room to allow free flow of air in and out of the room.

2. Gastroenteritis

In gastroenteritis, there is inflammation and irritation in the stomach. Water-logging and improper drainage of sewage can spread this infection. Flies and other insects can also carry the bacteria, contaminating your food, drinks or water.

Symptoms:

  1. Watery stools
  2. Nausea and vomiting
  3. Stomach pain and cramps
  4. Low fever
  5. Dehydration

Probiotics are a great way to increase levels of good bacteria in your gut and maintain a healthy balance.

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3. Food and Water-Borne Infections such as Cholera & Typhoid

Consuming stale, uncovered, and contaminated food or water can lead to water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, jaundice, etc.

Symptoms:

These illnesses can cause different kinds of symptoms. The most common ones include:

  1. Diarrhea
  2. Vomiting
  3. Fever
  4. Headache
  5. Joint or muscle pain
  6. Yellowing of the eyes, nails, and urine in some people

Some people with COVID-19 may develop gastric symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting oven in the absence of other flu-like symptoms.

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How to Prevent Gastroenteritis and other Water-Borne Diseases?

  1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or sanitize them often.
  2. Drink plenty of water. Boil the water before consumption if you’re unsure about its quality.
  3. Avoid eating outside and eat home-cooked, light, non-oily food. Avoid eating raw vegetables. Wash and cook them thoroughly before eating.
  4. Keep the food and water covered.
  5. Boost your immunity by including citrus foods like amla that are rich in vitamin C.

4. Mosquito-Borne Infections like Dengue, Malaria

As per WHO, India accounts for three-quarter of all malaria cases in South East Asia.* Spread through the bite of certain kinds of mosquitoes, such diseases can be easily prevented if stagnant or stored water is removed regularly.

Symptoms:

  • Malaria causes fever, headache, chills and vomiting. If not treated within time, malaria can turn deadly.
  • Dengue should be suspected in case high fever (40°C/140°F) is accompanied with two of the following: severe headache, pain behind eyes, rash, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting.

How to Prevent these?

  1. Make sure that water doesn’t accumulate in your surroundings like in the buckets, coolers and flower pots.
  2. Use mosquito nets and repellents.
  3. Clean your surroundings, washrooms regularly to avoid any insect from breeding.
  4. Wear clothes that cover your arms and legs fully.

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Boost Immunity for a Safer Monsoon

Your immune system is your first way of defending your body from all such infections. Since the monsoon season is apt for growth of infection-causing germs, it becomes far more crucial to take steps and boost your immunity.

You got your own ideas and suggestion on getting out of Monsoon diseases. Please don’t hesitate to comment the same below.

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