It is that time of the year when we can indulge ourselves in petrichor and watch the water fall from the dark clouds. The much-awaited monsoon has begun. We frequently forget some of the dangers that come with this beautiful season, the risks that can create a wide range of health issues for us and our loved ones, as we rejoice this weather daily at home, office or over a weekend picnic. The health hazards are greater during the monsoon season than during any other time of year as high air moisture content is favourable for the growth of bacteria and viruses. Let's explore some common monsoon diseases humans face throughout this season and how we can prevent them. Numerous infectious diseases are disseminated by the humid weather, frequent rain, and windy conditions throughout this season. When a person with a monsoon disease sneezes, coughs or even talks, they unintentionally release microscopic droplets that are transmitters of bacteria and viruses.
It is also wise to be aware of the precautions that you and your family can take to avoid contracting these diseases.
Typhoid
Salmonella germs are the cause of the waterborne bacterial illness typhoid. This illness is brought on by eating or drinking food or water that has been tainted with an infested person's excrement. The Widal test, together with any blood, bone marrow, or stool cultures, are used to diagnose the typhoid.
Symptoms include:
A persistently high fever and Weakness Constipation
Sweating
Dry cough
Abdominal Pain
Loss of appetite and weight loss
How to prevent Typhoid?
Don't consume groundwater.
Prepare food only in clean area and those who handle it should wash their hands before cooking the food, use gloves if needed.
Avoid eating uncooked or raw food
Cholera
Cholera is another extremely prevalent and fatal bacterial disease that occurs during the monsoon season. This illness is brought on by tainted food, beverages, and unsanitary living circumstances.Because cholera can prove fatal within hours, it requires prompt medical attention.
Symptoms include:
Dehydration
Nausea and vomiting
Extreme Diarrhoea
Low blood pressure
Muscle cramps
How to prevent Cholera?
To be safe, drink plenty of water and consume healthy foods. Maintain a clean environment and followappropriate hygiene practices throughout the day.
Hepatitis A
The hepatitis A virus also called as Hep-A, which causes hepatitis A - is a highly contagious liver disease. It is a waterborne viral infection that is typically brought on by contaminated food or drink that has been infested by the flies that carry this virus. Consuming products that were contaminated during handling, such as fruits, veggies, or other open foods sold on streets, can spread Hepatitis A infection.
The symptoms include:
Clay-coloured bowel movements
Jaundice
Loss of appetite
Low-grade fever
Dark urine
Joint pain
How to prevent Hep-A?
One of the easiest methods to prevent hepatitis A is to maintain excellent sanitation, which includes often washing your hands. For those who are most at risk, Hepatitis vaccine is recommended by the medical professionals.
Common cold and flu (Influenza)
One of the most prevalent illnesses during the monsoon season is the common cold. Due to the airborne virus that affects the upper respiratory tract and therefore the nose and throat, it is a disease that is highly contagious – through infected person’s sneezing and cough.
The symptoms include:
Fever with chills
Sore throat
Cold and cough
Headache
Runny and stuffed nose
Aching body muscles
How to prevent Influenza?
Stay away from infected person. Wear a mask in the crowd. Your body's immune response will be strengthened and resistance to fight against the virus can be boosted if you consume healthy and nutritious food on a regular basis.
Intra-abdominal infection:
When you ingest unsanitary food and liquids, stomach infections can develop. One typical stomach infection that happens during this season is gastroenteritis (Diarrhoea).
The symptoms include:
Vomiting and nausea
Stomach discomfort and cramps
Occasional headaches or muscle problems
Moderate fever
How to prevent stomach infection?
Always wash your hands. The best approach to get rid of any bacteria on your hands that could get into your body through food is to wash them with soap and water or handwash with alcohol content above 60%
Foods that are raw or undercooked may contain bacteria like E. coli, which when ingested by you can cause an infection of the stomach.
Avoid eating outside as much as possible especially at the stalls of street-food vendors
Keep as far away from infectious individuals as you can
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial illness that spreads from animals to people via wild animal interaction. When people are going through flooded areas, this disease typically spreads through open wounds.
The symptoms include:
Muscle pains and chills
Nausea
Jaundice (yellow skin and eyes)
Redness in eyes
abdominal discomfort
How to prevent Leptospirosis?
Any injuries or bruises that are visible on body should be treated immediately
Avoid wading through floodwaters, swimming in them, or sticking your head under any lakes, rivers, or wetlands
Do not keep stagnant water ponds open around your residence
How to avoid contracting common monsoon diseases?
Following thesemonsoon diseases prevention tips will help you avoid illnesses during the rains:
1. Keep your home and surrounding areas dry and clean. Do not litter.
2. When going outside, wear full sleeves and mask especially if you are travelling or in crowd.
3. Stay away from congested areas to lower your chance of viral illnesses.
4. Always consume boiled or filtered water.
5. Eat wholesome, home-cooked cuisine.
6. Ensure that your home has adequate ventilation.
7. Wash your hands before and after cooking and eating any meal.
8. To prevent contracting fungal skin infections, keep your clothing dry.
Highly contagious monsoon illnesses might escalate into major health issues if they are not promptly treated. Do not put off getting a diagnosis if you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Consult your doctor as soon as possible to reduce the chance of infection.
The MyHealth Metter diagnostics centre, one of the best diagnosticscentre in Mumbai, has years of experience in accurately identifying seasonal infections using cutting-edge technologies, a first-rate facility, and a knowledgeable staff. By promptly eliminating the health risks, you can make this monsoon a healthy affair for you and your loved ones. Happy Monsoon to you!