Airborne Diseases in Monsoon: Symptoms & Preventive Measures

Common Diseases and their Symptoms

The list of airborne diseases includes the following:

1. Common Cold

Symptoms

• Coughing/Sneezing

• Runny Nose

• Sore Throat

• Mild to slightly high fever

• Body Pain

Influenza

Symptoms

• Same symptoms as above, but with slightly increased intensity

2. COVID-19

Symptoms

• Fever and chills

• Cough

• Body Pain

• Fatigue

• Decreased Appetite

• Bitterness in the mouth

• No sense of taste or smell

• Headache

• Pain in the muscles

• Sore Throat

• Nausea

• Runny Nose

• Diarrhoea

3. Chickenpox

Symptoms

• Fever for about 5 days

• Fatigue

• Body Pain

• Decreased appetite

• Pain in the muscles and/or joints

• Headache

• Itchy rashes, which may develop into blisters within 2 days

4. Measles

Symptoms

• All flu-like symptoms

• Frequent watering of eyes

• White spots inside the mouth

• Red rashes on the skin

5. Whooping Cough

Symptoms

• Continuous hacking cough (usually dry cough)

• Swollen airways

• All flu-like symptoms

• Malaise

• Diarrhoea

• Blueness in the face of children in case of severe cases of continuous coughing

• Breathlessness

6. Tuberculosis

Symptoms

• Flu-like symptoms

• Phlegm with or without blood

• Coughing for at least 3 weeks continuously

• Chest Pain

• Swollen neck

• Weight Loss

• Decreased appetite

• Profuse sweating at night

7. Diphtheria

Symptoms

• Problems in swallowing food and water

• Sore Throat

• Severe fatigue

• Swollen neck glands

• Decreased appetite

• Mild to high fever for more than 4 days

• Hoarseness in the case of larynx infections

8. Anthrax

Symptoms

• Itchy blisters

• Swollen anthrax

• Swollen lymph glands and tissues

• Painful abdominal swelling

• Diarrhoea

• Body Chills

• Flushed face

• Redness in eyes

• Unconsciousness

• Nausea

• Headache

• Decreased appetite

• Sore Throat

• Swollen neck glands

9. Meningitis

Symptoms

• Headache

• Fever

• Skin Rashes

• Distorted thinking

• Bulged spots on the head

• Stiffness in the neck

• Light sensitivity

• Difficulties while walking

• Fatigue

• Discarded appetite

• Nausea

• Unconsciousness

• Seizures

• Coma

• Problems in speech, hearing, and vision

• Failure of vital organs

Route of Transmission

The pathogens that cause airborne ailments enter the atmosphere in form of wet droplets. Some of these drops dry quickly. However, some remain suspended in the air for a long time. This is more common in the rainy season, as the increased humidity doesn’t allow the droplets to dry quickly.

These suspended droplets are then transmitted into your body through direct or indirect modes. Close contact with people coughing/sneezing can transmit the germs to you. The germs are also transmitted through indoor and outdoor dust particles, animals, plant matter (decomposed state), and contaminated food and water.

• Airborne transmission travels a long distance (more than 6 feet) and stays in the air for a long time (for several hours).

• There are more cases of airborne transmission than waterborne or mosquito-borne transmission.

• It is difficult to track due to the numerous transmission routes.

Preventive Measures

• Keep your rooms properly ventilated.

• Always close your mouth with a towel when coughing or sneezing.

• Wear a mask, especially when visiting crowded places.

• Maintain social distancing in crowded places.

FAQs

1. What are the most common transmission methods of airborne ailments?

The microorganisms causing airborne ailments pass through dust, liquids, mist, and aerosols.

2. Are respiratory ailments also part of airborne diseases?

Yes, respiratory ailments are caused due to fungal infections in the air. These fungi are more common during the monsoon when mould and mildew are quite high due to increased humidity. Hence, these infections can cause breathlessness, asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory ailments.