Monsoon illness and safety tips
Umair Shafiq Khanday
Monsoon brings with it multiple air-borne infections that are transmitted by tiny pathogens (disease-causing viruses) through the air, resulting in the common flu, viral fever, cold, cough, and sore throat. They are mostly mild and can cause minor infections.
The monsoon season refreshes us from the sizzling summer heat. This change in weather makes for a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. These foreign bodies give rise to fever, which is a very common occurrence during this season. Though this sign cannot be ignored which indicates an attack by the pathogens on your body and then there is more to fever than meets the eye.
Mosquito borne infections
MALARIA
Malaria and monsoon go hand in hand. When it rains, water remains clogged, which helps the mosquitoes’ breeding process. The spread of malaria can be prevented by keeping such clogged areas clean.
One of the most common monsoon diseases, malaria is caused by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito which breeds in stagnant water. This fever is usually associated with bouts of shivering, chills, body aches and sweating. The symptoms usually appear in cycles due to the life cycle of the malarial parasite as they develop and reproduce in the human body.
DENGUE
Dengue fever can be very painful and life-threatening. Although this disease is caused by the dengue virus, the carrier here is the mosquito and thus keeping the body protected from any form of mosquito bite can ensure safety.
Dengue is a viral infection caused by the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito. There are four serotypes of dengue virus. It could manifest as a sudden high-grade fever, skin rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain. Hence the name break-bone fever.
While Dengue RT-PCR remains the most sensitive and specific test for dengue, a combined NSI antigen, IgM, and IgG test can help detect both early and late dengue disease..
Water borne infections
TYPHOID
Caused due to contaminated food and water, typhoid fever is usually associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain and headaches. The fever during typhoid rises over the course of each day and drops by morning, in a step ladder pattern.
GASTROENTERITIS
Accompanied by inflammation and irritation in the stomach, gastroenteritis spreads due to the waterlogging and improper drainage. Low-grade fever along with symptoms such as watery stools, abdomen pain, cramps, nausea and vomiting could indicate gastroenteritis.
CHOLERA
This is a waterborne infection, caused by many strains of bacteria called Vibrio cholera. Cholera affects the gastrointestinal tract causing severe dehydration and diarrhea. Hence, drinking boiled, treated or purified water can keep the germs at bay.
Air borne infections
COLD AND FLU
The drastic fluctuation of temperature which happens during this rainy season makes the body susceptible to bacterial and viral attack, resulting in cold and flu. This is the most common form of viral infections. Hence to protect the body, one should consume highly nutritious foods and strengthen the immunity. By this the body can fight germs by producing antibodies against the released toxins.
Although common cold and cough are prevalent around the year, they are on the rise particularly during monsoon. The most common causes of the common cold are viruses. In addition to low-grade fever, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue and nasal discharge are the most common symptoms associated with a cold. By
FLU
Flu, also known as influenza, is a common respiratory illness. Its common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, muscle pain and headache. Typically, a person develops symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after catching the infection
COVID-19
Known symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat and loss of smell and/or taste. However, symptoms such as pink eyes (conjunctivitis), headache, body ache, diarrhea and vomiting are also witnessed in some patients.
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How to control fever
Stay at home and take sufficient rest
• Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated
• Try cold sponging or tepid water sponging
• Wear light, loose cotton clothes
• Take fever-reducing medicines after speaking with a doctor.
Consult a doctor if you have fever that:
• Doesn’t get better even after 3 days
• Keeps coming back after a few days
Rises above 104° F (40° C)
Tips
Excessive moisture content in the air during monsoons may increase fungal and bacterial activity, resulting in a range of skin and hair issues. Pimples, rashes, allergies, hair fall, and dandruff are among the common issues you may face during this season.
So, here are some things you can do to stay safe in the Indian monsoon:
Keep yourself hydrated at all times – ensure you drink only boiled water, and avoid drinking anything outside.
Follow a strict personal hygiene routine at all times to avoid fungal infections.
Wear full-sleeved and light clothes to protect your skin.
Eat a balanced diet and keep your immune system strong.
Consume freshly-washed, boiled vegetables, reduce your intake of fats, oils, and sodium, and avoid dairy products as they can contain microorganisms that are harmful to your health
Bonus Tip: Eat light meals, and wash your vegetables and fruits with vinegar as an acidic medium can help eliminate any harmful bacteria present in your foods.
As much as we all love the monsoons and the respite it brings, it’s best to stay informed and protect ourselves from these common monsoon diseases in India. Avoid self-diagnosis and over-the-counter medication if you observe any of the above-mentioned symptoms, and consult your general physician immediately.
(The writer has completed B.Sc nursing from Pacific institute of medical science Udaipur Rajasthan)
