Monsoon and Health
After a long spell of hot summer, monsoons are a welcome change. The first shower can make us feel on cloud nine! But one also needs to take a little care to avoid falling sick this season. In this article, we will talk about some common monsoon ailments, its symptoms and prevention.
Diseases caused by impure water
Water-borne diseases such as diarrhoea and dysentery are common in the season. One can also contract more serious diseases such as cholera, typhoid, jaundice, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis.
The reasons are –
1. Drinking water may get contaminated by sewage water due to poor drainage system
2. Germs become active in high humidity.
Signs and Symptoms:
The symptoms depend on the disease, but watch out for
- Nausea, vomiting
- Stomach ache, cramps
- Diarrhoea, loose motion, bloating
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Fever, cough or other flu like symptoms
- Rashes or itchy skin
- Yellowish skin or eyes (can indicate jaundice, Hepatitis or any liver related problem)
Prevention –
- Hard boil drinking water for 2-3 minutes
- Avoid outside food, water, ice
- Don't walk in slush, especially if you have a wound.
- Boil water for bathing, as micro-organisms may infect through a wound.
Diseases caused by contaminated food –
Germs thrive in the rainy season due to humidity and favourable temperature. Fungal growth is common in monsoon. Dysentery and food poisoning cases are often seen this season.
Signs and Symptoms –
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal cramp
- Fever
- Headache
Symptoms depend on the food contaminant.
Prevention –
- Avoid eating raw food, especially green leafy vegetables. Eat only hot food, which has been heated well
- Keep food covered and refrigerate it whenever necessary
- Avoid sea food and road side snacks.
Diseases caused by mosquitoes
Mosquitoes breed best in the monsoons as there is abundant stagnant water for it to lay eggs. Thus, be cautious of diseases such as malaria, dengue, filariasis, chikungunya, etc.
Signs and Symptoms –
Common symptoms, especially in the initial stage of diseases caused by mosquito bites are
- Fever
- Headache
- Back pain, pain in joints
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea, vomiting
- Muscle pains
Prevention –
- Keep mosquitoes away from home.
- Always keep surroundings clean
- Keep the doors and windows closed or covered with a net
- Don't let water stagnate near your home. If there is a pool of water, pour a little kerosene on it
- Use a good mosquito repellent. You can also create a mix of castor oil, eucalyptus oil, neem oil, clove oil and rosemary oil to apply on skin
Disease passed on through the air/direct touch –
Flu is one of the most common diseases people suffer from in the monsoons. Asthmatics may also suffer from an attack triggered by fungus in the air.
Signs and Symptoms –
- Wheezing (in asthmatic attacks)
- Fever
- Headache
- Cough and cold
Prevention -
- Keep your home dry, by wiping all furniture dry
- Use a sanitizer to keep your hands clean
- Ventilate your home constantly
- Bathe twice daily in hot water
Follow these little steps to keep diseases away. Remember, prevention is better than cure. We hope you enjoy the rainy season!
