Common Monsoon Diseases And How To Prevent Them

The rainy season in India offers a welcome break from the intense summer heat. But it also brings with it a range of monsoon diseases that you should watch out for. These diseases of the rainy season occur largely due to the increased humidity, waterlogging, and environmental changes which create favourable conditions for the growth and transmission of various microorganisms. These can lead to what we commonly refer to as ‘monsoon diseases.’ These monsoon ailments can be broadly categorized into airborne, waterborne, and mosquito-borne infections. Let’s discuss some of these monsoon diseases and how you can protect yourself organically.

Common Monsoon Diseases in India

Some of the most common diseases in the monsoon include:

1) Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a disease transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. If you or your family members experience symptoms like high fever, swollen lymph nodes, rashes, headache, or a low platelet count, it could be due to dengue fever. It’s advisable to visit your doctor immediately if these symptoms persist. You can prevent this monsoon disease by using organic insect repellents, adding mosquito-repelling plants to your surroundings, and wearing protective clothing to avoid mosquito bites.

Also Read: Home Remedies for Dengue

2) Malaria

Malaria is another mosquito-transmitted disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. The symptoms include recurrent high fever, chills, sweating, headache, nausea, and muscle aches. You can prevent malaria by using natural mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, especially during evenings when mosquitoes are most active, and sleeping under mosquito nets.

3) Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease that you can contract from the bite of an infected Aedes albopictus or aegypti mosquito. The symptoms include high fever, severe joint pain, headache, muscle pain, and rash. While there are no specific treatments for Chikungunya, avoiding mosquito bites and using natural insect repellents can help prevent the disease.

Also Read: Chikungunya Diet: 12 Amazing Recovery Foods

4) Leptospirosis

Also known as Weil’s disease, Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is usually waterborne. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle pain, jaundice, and potential kidney and liver damage. Avoiding contact with contaminated water and maintaining personal hygiene can prevent the disease.

5) Typhoid Fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. It’s a waterborne disease that can give you prolonged high fever, headache, abdominal pain, weakness, and even constipation or diarrhoea. By avoiding contaminated food and water, maintaining personal hygiene and getting vaccinated, you can prevent typhoid.

6) Viral Infections (Cold and Flu)

Viral infections like the common cold and flu are airborne diseases caused by various viruses. You can easily contract them during the rainy season due to the high humidity levels. Symptoms include runny nose, cough, sore throat, fever, chills, headache and fatigue. Maintaining good personal hygiene, avoiding crowded areas and getting vaccinated are some ways to prevent these infections.

Also Read: Viral Fever Symptoms

7) Gastroenteritis

Also known as stomach flu, gastroenteritis is a viral infection that affects your stomach and intestines. It commonly results in diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea and loss of appetite. Avoiding contaminated food and water and maintaining personal hygiene can prevent this ailment.

As we embark on the rainy season in India, it becomes crucial to understand these common monsoon ailments and take necessary preventive measures organically. Stay safe and enjoy the monsoon without falling prey to these diseases!

How can these monsoon diseases be prevented?

Monsoon season, while bringing much-needed relief from the summer heat in India, also brings a host of diseases. From Dengue and Malaria to Leptospirosis, Typhoid and various Viral Infections, the rainy season requires us to be extra cautious about our health. But worry not! With proper care and preventive measures, we can avoid these monsoon ailments and enjoy the rains without falling ill. Let’s look at some general and specific preventive measures you can take.

Also Read: Top 20 Health Tips that Work Best for Monsoon

General measures

1. Maintain Personal Hygiene: Maintaining personal hygiene is the foremost step in preventing any disease. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, before eating and after sneezing or coughing.
2. Drink Clean and Boiled Water: Waterborne diseases are common during the monsoons. To counter this, make sure you drink only purified or boiled water.
3. Eat Freshly Cooked Food: Eating freshly cooked food helps in killing bacteria and other harmful microorganisms that might cause food poisoning or gastroenteritis. Stay away from street food or food from unknown vendors during the monsoons as it might be contaminated.
4. Use Mosquito Repellents and Nets: Apply insect repellents on your skin and clothing when outdoors. Use mosquito nets while sleeping to prevent mosquito bites.

3 Foods That Can Boost Your Immune System This Monsoon

1. Citrus Fruits: Fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are rich in Vitamin C, which is known to enhance the immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells. Thus, citrus fruits are an excellent choice to prevent monsoon ailments.
2. Ginger and Garlic: These kitchen staples are immune-boosting powerhouses. Ginger contains gingerol, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Garlic, on the other hand, is rich in allicin which enhances the function of white blood cells. Incorporating these into your meals can help keep monsoon diseases at bay.
3. Yoghurt: A probiotic-rich food like yoghurt can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which plays a vital role in immune function. Opt for low-fat yoghurt with live cultures for maximum benefits.

Specific Preventive Measures

There are also specific preventive measures that you can take depending on the most common monsoon disease in your area.

1. Dengue and Malaria: To avoid dengue and malaria, it’s important to clear any stagnant water around your house or workplace as it serves as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Wearing full-sleeve clothing can help prevent mosquito bites. Continue using insect repellents regularly.
2. Leptospirosis: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that can be contracted by walking in floodwaters. Avoid wading through floodwaters wherever possible, and always wear protective footwear to avoid contact with contaminated water.
3. Typhoid and Gastroenteritis: Typhoid and gastroenteritis are caused by ingesting contaminated food or water. Ensure that your surroundings are clean and hygienic. Avoid eating street food and drinking unclean water. Use only bottled or boiled water for both drinking and cooking purposes.
4. Viral Infections: Viral infections spread quickly in crowded places like public transport, shopping malls or cinemas. Try to avoid such places during the monsoon. Maintaining good respiratory hygiene, like covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, can help protect you and others from viruses.

By following these effective preventive measures, you can enjoy the rainy season in India without worrying about monsoon diseases. Stay safe and healthy!

The rainy season in India, despite being a respite from the sweltering heat, brings along their fair share of health concerns. The list of monsoon diseases is quite long, ranging from mosquito-borne ailments like dengue and malaria to waterborne infections such as typhoid and leptospirosis.

Protection from mosquito-borne diseases can be ensured by using repellants, wearing full-sleeved clothes, and keeping your surroundings devoid of stagnant water. The risk of catching viral infections like the common cold, flu, or fever can be reduced by enhancing your immunity with a vitamin and mineral-rich diet. Avoiding crowded places helps in preventing the catching and spread of airborne diseases.

In case you experience any disease symptoms during the rainy season, promptly seek medical attention from your family doctor or visit the nearest OPD. Stay safe, stay healthy and embrace the beauty of monsoons without any worries about monsoon diseases in India!

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