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Common Monsoon Diseases In India With Prevention Tips

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If you have been tolerating the scorching heat for the last few months, then you have all the reasons to rejoice now as the monsoon season is here. If it’s not raining in your city, it will soon and help rejuvenate everything from the parched soil to your mood with its gentle showers. However, this season of delightful ambience and memories also brings its fair share of health hazards. The heavy downpours, increased humidity, and waterlogging can cause a host of diseases and infections. The good news, however, is that staying healthy during the rainy season is about taking the right preventive measures. Let’s learn more about them.

Common diseases during monsoons and their carriers

While dancing in the rain and floating paper boats are fun, the risk of being exposed to multiple viruses, bacteria, and other infections can’t be downplayed as the high moisture content in the air becomes a great host for harmful microorganisms to live and thrive. Along with precautions, spotting the symptoms and early treatment can help you avoid major health issues.

1. Water-borne Diseasesv:

Do you know that as per the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 37.7 million people are affected by water-borne diseases in India? And their easiest victims are those with lower immunity, like children and elderly people. These common water-borne diseases are —

• Typhoid:

It is caused by S. Typhi bacteria and spreads by consuming contaminated food and water. Its symptoms generally are fever, headache, joint pain, and sore throat.

• Cholera:

Poor sanitation and consumption of contaminated food are the main causes of cholera. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhoea.

• Jaundice:

This water-borne disease is caused by poor sanitation and the consumption of contaminated food and water. The symptoms are easiest to spot — yellow urine, yellowing of eyes (sclera), liver dysfunction, etc. You can also suffer from fatigue and weakness.

• Hepatitis A:

It has the potential to do significant damage to your liver. It can be identified through symptoms like fatigue, fever, tenderness in the stomach, and a sudden loss of appetite.

• Leptospirosis:

When you come in contact with muddy or dirty water, particularly on your open wounds or cuts, it can lead to leptospirosis. Some common symptoms include fever, muscle pain, headache, and shivers.

• Gastrointestinal infections:

Consuming stale, uncovered, or contaminated food and water can lead to gastrointestinal infections. If you have nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or diarrhoea, you should get tested for gastrointestinal infections.

2. Vector-borne Diseases

Monsoons are the breeding season for mosquitoes to breed. India contributes to 34% of global dengue and 11% of global malaria cases.

• Malaria:

It is caused by a single-celled parasite called Plasmodium, and mosquitoes play a great host to this parasite. Water channels and streams are the breeding ground for this species. The symptoms of malaria are fever, headache, nausea, and muscle or joint pain.

• Dengue:

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Most people who get dengue have mild or no symptoms. However, in cases of severe dengue, the patient can suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums, blood in vomit, etc.

• Chikungunya:

It is caused by the Aedes albopictus mosquito and is a non-fatal viral disease. The disease gets its name from its symptoms. Chikungunya means "bends you up" or "stooped walk" because it causes severe joint and muscle pain.

3. Air-borne Diseases

Someone sneezed near you, and the next day, you also had a cold? This is because the monsoon brings air-borne infections along with it. They get transmitted by tiny pathogens through the air. The most common air-borne diseases are —

• Cold and flu:

Everyone knows about it. If your symptoms are severe, it could be because your immune system is weak. Usually, prescribed medicines can help cure runny nose, sore throat, fever, and chills that you may experience.

• Influenza:

This is another seasonal flu that is highly contagious. This infection attacks the lungs, nose, and throat, and symptoms include fever, muscle aches, cough, congestion, headaches, and fatigue.

4. Skin Infections

Take care of your skin this season, as the monsoon brings a surge in fungal and bacterial infections.

• Fungal Infections:

Fungus thrives on moist skin. Common fungal infections can include athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail fungus. All these can cause extreme itchiness, and patches can be noticed on the skin.

• Bacterial Infections:

Common bacterial infections during this time can lead to Impetigo and Folliculitis. Their symptoms can range from itchiness and soreness to secretion of pus.

5. Stomach Infections

Contain the urge to go to your favourite food joint and eat junk food, as contaminated water and improper food handling can lead to the spread of viruses and bacteria, causing gastrointestinal illnesses.

• Gastroenteritis:

This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, and its symptoms include vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps, and dehydration.

• Diarrhoea:

Taking frequent bathroom breaks? Well, the loose, watery stool can cause more than irritation. It can cause dehydration.

Prevention Tips

Well, if the information provided above sounds scary, worry not. Take the following preventive measures to stay safe from monsoon diseases in India:

• Use a mosquito net or repellent while sleeping. Apply mosquito repellents or patches on your body/dress when stepping out.

• Wear full pants or trousers and full-sleeved shirts/dresses, especially when going out in the evenings.

• Don’t allow water to get stagnant or collected near your home, as it’s the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

• During monsoon season, drinking boiled water can go a long way toward ensuring good health. Carry your water bottle when stepping outside. Also, try to stay hydrated.

• From keeping food covered to washing hands before eating, sanitisation is a must.

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.

• Get your children vaccinated if required.

• Keep your homes well-ventilated.

• Cover your mouth while coughing/sneezing if you are sick to prevent transmission of the virus.

FAQs

1. I am a fitness enthusiast. Should I stop working out in the monsoon?

Staying active is always healthy. However, take special care and see that you are washing your sweat-soaked clothes soon after. Change to fresh clothes to prevent infections.

2. I take public transport to work. Should I be worried during the monsoon?

Well, crowded spaces during monsoon season increase the chances of catching a virus like the common cold. It would be best to wear a mask, carry a hand sanitiser, and use it frequently after touching surfaces on the bus or metro.

3. Are there any vaccines for monsoon diseases?

Vaccines are available for some diseases like typhoid, influenza, and hepatitis A.

Conclusion

Monsoon can give myriad emotions — you could go trekking wearing raincoats or lie in bed checking your thermometer. To ensure you make the most of the monsoon season and protect yourself from rainy-season diseases in India, you must tread cautiously — literally and figuratively. Having a health insurance plan will ensure you get the best treatment and care without worrying about high medical expenses. Critical illness insurance is crucial for those suffering from critical illnesses or who have a family history of such ailments, like stroke, kidney failure, cancer, etc., to secure your finances, considering the exorbitant treatment costs.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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