Preventing Monsoon Diseases: Tips for a Healthy Rainy Season

Monsoon Diseases Overview

With its cool weather and soothing showers, the monsoon season provides much-needed respite from the extreme temperatures of summer. However, this season, characterised by heavy rainfall and increased humidity, also brings many health challenges.

Infections are more common during this season because the warm, humid climate is ideal for the growth of many pathogens. All kinds of monsoon diseases, from bacterial and viral infections to vector-borne and waterborne infections, are collectively called the monsoon diseases.

Understanding what to expect this season can help safeguard your loved ones and yourself against diseases, ensuring proper medical attention if anyone falls ill.

Common Monsoon diseases in rainy season to watch out for

• Common Cold and Flu: The monsoon season’s abrupt temperature changes might make you more susceptible to viral monsoon diseases, such as the flu and common colds and coughs. A runny nose, sneezing, body pains, fever, general fatigue are some common symptoms.  
• Viral fever: Any fever due to a virus is known as a viral fever, and it is most prevalent during the monsoon season. It may make an individual feel worn out, or sore. Additional signs and symptoms may include nausea, coughing, runny nose, etc.  
• Dengue Fever: The dengue virus is the source of this mosquito-borne tropical disease, which may be extremely unpleasant and even fatal. Symptoms include high fever, severe headaches, discomfort behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash, and moderate bleeding.
• Malaria: Malaria, caused by a plasmodium parasite and contracted by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito, is another serious health risk in India during the rainy season. Symptoms include high temperature, chills, perspiration, headaches, nausea, and vomiting.
• Chikungunya: Chikungunya is a non-fatal viral disease spread by mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water. Symptoms include headache, sore muscles, burning joints, high fever, exhaustion, and chills.
• Typhoid: This bacterial disease is waterborne and spreads through contaminated food or water. It is more prevalent in locations where handwashing is not effectively practised. Some symptoms are a high temperature, headache, nausea, diarrhoea or constipation, and weakness. 

Prevention of Monsoon Diseases During Rainy Season

Environmental management, preventive health measures, and personal cleanliness are needed to prevent infections during the rainy season. Here are a few valuable tips for monsoon diseases and prevention:

• Mosquito Control: Since stagnant water from rain can encourage mosquito reproduction, mosquito-borne illnesses, including dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, are significantly more common during the monsoon season. Use nets and repellents for mosquitoes, especially at sunrise and sunset, when mosquito activity is at its highest. To reduce skin exposure, put on long sleeves and pants. Ensure your home and its surroundings are free of standing water.
• Water Safety: Drink filtered or boiling water to avoid contracting diseases caused by water. Dispose of trash properly to prevent contaminating water sources.
• Food Hygiene: Before eating, carefully wash fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meals and instead consume freshly cooked food. Store food correctly to avoid food contamination from pests. Make a conscious effort to consume more probiotic-rich foods, such as homemade pickles, yoghurt, curds, and buttermilk. These can increase your gut health’s resilience and enhance nutrient absorption.  
• Hand Hygiene: Practise proper hand hygiene, particularly during the monsoon season, to keep your hands’ skin clean when eating. This is required because harmful microorganisms tend to reproduce more quickly during the monsoon.
• Environmental Cleanliness: Ensure your living areas are routinely cleaned and sanitised. Dispose of garbage correctly to stop the spread of pests and diseases. Apply disinfectants to surfaces and moisture-prone locations.
• Consume Enough Vitamin C: Vitamin C boosts your body’s natural defences against colds and flu. To help your body recover from the flu more quickly, consume foods rich in vitamin C, like lemons and other citrus fruits. Increasing your consumption by taking vitamin C supplements is also a good option.
• Stay Physically Active: Regular exercise is one health precaution you should take during the rainy season to safeguard your general health. You may also do yoga, Pilates, stretches, and dance routines indoors. 
• Vaccination and Medical Care: Ensure you have your typhoid and hepatitis A immunizations on schedule. If any monsoon symptoms manifest, get medical help right away. 

Conclusion

Understanding monsoon diseases and adopting preventive measures is essential to enjoying a healthy rainy season. Following the precautionary advice above may significantly reduce one’s chance of getting common monsoon ailments and enjoy the rainy season in good health. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and prioritise health to make the most of this season without compromising well-being.

This blog has been medically reviewed by Dr Nagavender Rao M, MBBS, MD ( General Medicine )