While the monsoon relieves us of the scorching summer heat and nature blooms and blossoms, unfortunately, it is also the time when your health can take a hit, thanks to the infectious diseases that can be easily caught. . So, while you are enjoying the rainy season, it is essential to take precautions and protect yourself and your family from various infections. Dr. Tushar Tayal, Internal Medicine Consultant, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram talks about common monsoon infections, their symptoms and preventive measures.
Monsoon Diseases, Symptoms, Do’s and Don’ts
Dr. Tushar Tayal lists some commonly encountered monsoon diseases:
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Flu:
• It is commonly known as the flu, occurs during the monsoon season and is highly contagious due to the virus spreading through the air.
• Flu symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, throat irritation and pain, and fever.
• Treatment of influenza is symptomatic and does not require antibiotics.
Typhoid:
• This is a waterborne bacterial infection caused by bacteria called Salmonella. This disease is transmitted by consuming food or water contaminated with the feces of an infected person.
• Symptoms of typhoid include high fever lasting more than five days, severe abdominal pain, headache, vomiting and loose stools or constipation. Typhoid can be fatal if left untreated.
• The main treatment for typhoid is to give antibiotics over a period of 10 to 14 days.
Hepatitis A:
• This is a liver disease caused by exposure to the hepatitis A virus.
• It is transmitted mainly through contaminated food or water and can also be spread by flying insects.
• Symptoms of hepatitis A include jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, diarrhea and fatigue.
• The treatment of hepatitis A is essentially symptomatic and does not require the use of antibiotics.
Dengue Fever:
• It is caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of an infected tiger mosquito (Aedes aegypti), which has black and white stripes and usually bites early in the morning or at dawn.
• Symptoms of dengue fever include severe joint and muscle pain, headache, fever, rash, back pain, eye pain, nausea and bleeding.
• The complication of dengue fever is called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), commonly seen in pregnant women, the elderly and young children.
• There are no specific antibiotics or antiviral drugs to treat dengue fever.
• Rest and fluid intake (oral rehydration) are extremely important.
• Analgesics such as paracetamol (650mg) can be taken every 4-5 hours, while Disprin and antibiotics should be avoided.
Malaria:
• Mosquitoes are the cause of the spread of this disease.
• Common symptoms of malaria are fever, body aches, chills and sweating.
• If left untreated, malaria can lead to complications such as jaundice, severe anemia or even liver and kidney failure.
• The use of antimalarial drugs is prescribed for the treatment of malaria.
• Antibiotics play no role in the treatment of malaria.
Gastroenteritis and food poisoning:
• These are common during the monsoon season.
• Symptoms of these conditions include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea and fever.
• The main treatment for gastroenteritis and food poisoning is hydration, with a recommended intake of 250 ml of oral fluid for each loose stool.
• Following a bland diet that includes foods such as rice, curds and fruits such as bananas, apples and coconut water can help.
• Oral rehydration solution (ORS) can be used to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes.
• After consulting a doctor, only then antibiotics should be taken.
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Preventive health measures to take during the monsoon
Dr. Tushar Tayal lists the following preventive measures that one can take to ward off diseases during the rainy season:
• Drink only boiled water or water that has been cleaned by a purifier to prevent waterborne diseases.
• Avoid the accumulation of stagnant water inside and around your house to avoid mosquito nests.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief or handkerchief when coughing or sneezing to reduce the spread of respiratory infections.
• Use insect repellents and mosquito nets, as dengue-transmitting mosquitoes are active during the day while malaria-causing mosquitoes are active at night.
• Keep your clothes dry and use an antifungal powder to prevent fungal skin infections.
• Consume freshly prepared foods and avoid eating foods from roadside vendors to reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating to remove any potential contaminants.
• Consider getting vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid and influenza as preventive measures against these diseases.