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Monsoon season is the time when nature comes alive and creates a refreshing atmosphere where emotions run deep and simple pleasures are cherished. However, this season also brings along a host of health challenges as it creates ideal conditions for several diseases to thrive. Below are some common monsoon diseases, their symptoms and prevention tips to minimize health risks.
7 Common Diseases in Rainy Season
Here are 7 common rainy season diseases that can affect your health:
1. Dengue fever
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease and one of the most prevalent health threats during the rainy season. It is a viral illness transmitted by Aedes mosquito, primarily Aedes Aegypti. The symptoms of dengue fever usually appear 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite and can include pain behind the eyes, nausea, skin rash, high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain and bleeding such as nosebleeds, gum bleeds or easy bruising. Prevention of dengue primarily involves controlling mosquito populations, using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothes, eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed, and keeping windows shut or screened.
2. Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by plasmodium parasites transmitted to humans through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
A human becomes symptomatic between 10-14 days to several weeks after being bitten by an infected mosquito and symptoms include body aches, sweating, fever, chills, weakness, an enlarged liver, mild jaundice, nausea and vomiting. Malaria can be prevented by using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothes, eliminating stagnant water where mosquitoes breed and keeping windows shut or screened.
3. Typhoid fever
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by salmonella typhi. It typically spreads through contaminated water and food. symptoms develop between 1 – 3 weeks after exposure and include prolonged high fever, weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, headache, loss of appetite, and either diarrhoea or constipation. Typhoid can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene, drinking clean, boiled, or treated water, practising good hand hygiene, avoiding raw fruits and vegetables that cannot be peeled and vaccination.
4. Common cold and flu
Both common colds and flu are respiratory illnesses more prevalent during rainy seasons due to changes in weather and indoor crowding. Cold is highly contagious, and a mild illness characterised by symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and mild fatigue.
Flu, on the other hand, is severe and can lead to serious complications like high fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat, nausea and diarrhoea.
Prevention tips include maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, keeping the immune system strong with a healthy diet and regular exercise and getting vaccinated against the flu.
5. Fungal infections
Common fungal infections during the monsoon include athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail fungus. These infections are often seen in areas of the body that are frequently exposed to moisture, such as the feet, groin, and underarms. Symptoms include itchy, red, or scaly skin, discoloured nails, and, in the case of oral thrush, white patches inside the mouth or on the tongue. Preventing fungal infections involves keeping the skin dry and clean, especially in sweat-prone areas such as between the toes and in skin folds. Wearing breathable, moisture-wicking clothing and avoiding sharing personal items like towels and shoes can help reduce the risk of infection. Over-the-counter antifungal powders or creams can be used to treat mild cases.
6. Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by leptospira bacteria which are often found in water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. This disease is primarily transmitted to humans through contact with water, soil or food contaminated with the urine of infected animals such as rats. Heavy rains and flooding in monsoon can increase the risk of exposure to contaminated water, making leptospirosis a significant public health concern.
Symptoms range from mild to severe including red eyes, high fever, Severe headache muscle pain, particularly in the calves abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or vomiting, jaundice and skin rash. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with potentially contaminated water, especially during floods, wearing protective clothing and footwear when walking through waterlogged areas, ensuring proper sanitation and rodent control raising awareness and educating the public about the risks and prevention methods.
7. Cholera
Cholera is caused by the bacterium vibrio cholerae. It is a severe diarrheal disease and spreads through the consumption of contaminated food and water. The main symptom of cholera is severe, watery diarrhoea, often described as "rice-water stools." This can lead to rapid dehydration, which, if not treated promptly, can be fatal. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, and in severe cases shock. Cholera can be prevented by ensuring clean drinking water and proper sanitation, washing hands thoroughly with soap especially before eating, and consuming well-cooked food.
Consult our internal medicine specialist in Delhi if you need treatment for any of the above seasonal diseases.
Conclusion
The rainy season is refreshing and joyful but also poses significant health risks due to the increased prevalence of various diseases. Understanding the symptoms and implementing effective prevention strategies can help protect us from these health threats. Book a consultation with our internal medicine hospital in Delhi to discuss your individual problem. We also invite you to explore our blog page to read the latest healthcare blogs shared by our doctors.
FAQ's
Ans. Immunity during the rainy season can be increased by maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and immune-boosting nutrients like Vitamin C and zinc. Regular exercise, adequate sleep, and staying hydrated also help strengthen the immune system.
Ans. Vaccination is recommended for individuals living in or travelling to areas where typhoid or cholera are common, especially during the rainy season when the risk of these diseases increases. We recommend you consult our healthcare provider to determine if vaccination is necessary based on your location and health status.
Ans. Immediately seek medical attention if you suspect having contracted a rainy season disease. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for diseases like dengue, malaria, and leptospirosis to prevent severe complications. Drink plenty of fluids, rest, and follow the advice of healthcare professionals for proper care and management.
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