Monsoons bring with them respite from the scorching summer sun and a much-needed drop in temperatures. But they are also known to bring along various viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, some of which can be fatal. By understanding the infections that one is prone to during the rainy season and having knowledge about ways to prevent them, monsoons can be thoroughly enjoyed in a healthy way.
Here are the 3 most common diseases that occur during the rainy season and ways by which you can stay away from being infected:
1 . Diseases Spread By Mosquitoes
-Dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are spread by mosquitoes and are very common in the rainy season.Dengue hits our country around monsoons every year and causes a lot of morbidity and sometimes mortality.
-The symptoms are sudden onset of high-grade fever, headache, muscle and joint pains, rash, shivering, muscle pain and weakness. If left untreated, they can be life threatening.
Ways To Prevent
-Use mosquito screens, nets, fiber glass meshes or magnetic insect repellent screens for your windows and doors
-Apply a mosquito repellent cream and wear full-sleeved clothing when heading outdoors.
-Avoid water stagnation in your area.
-Frequently change the water in your coolers.
-Spray DDT in the drains and any stagnant water near your home.
2 . Diseases Spread By Water-logging
-One of the deadliest diseases that can spread due to water logging is leptospirosis. Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that spreads from rat urine-contaminated water. The bacteria can enter through cuts, scraped, worn area or through mucous membrane from the eyes, nose, sinuses, and mouth.
-Symptoms include high fever and chills with severe headaches and body ache, pain in calf muscles, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Ways To Prevent
-Avoid walking in stagnant water, especially near garbage sites.
-If you happen to walk in stagnant water, then wash your legs with clean water.
-If you have scratches and cuts use adhesive bandage to cover the wound.
-Wear gum boots if you have to walk through water-logged areas regularly.
3 . Diseases Spread By Contaminated Food And Water
-Rainy reason is notorious for causing food poisoning and gastro-intestinal troubles. Due to high humidity and moisture content, food tends to turn bad if not consumed fresh.
-Having contaminated food or water can cause gastrointestinal infection, loose stools, vomiting, and dehydration.
Ways To Prevent
-Always drink boiled or filtered water.
-Practice hand hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the washroom and before having a meal.
-Make sure you wash your hands for a good 10-15 seconds with soap everytime.
-Stay away from street food.
-Try and eat freshly prepared food and avoid reheated food.
-If you get diarrhea, immediately start drinking ORS solution and keep taking sips throughout the day.
So, go ahead and follow these essential tips to stay healthy and disease-free this monsoon. Stay Healthy, Stay Happy!