Rainy season diseases and prevention

Dr.Rakesh Pandit, 3 mins read

The rainy season in India starts in June and ends in September, giving us much relief from the scorching heat of summer. But it also brings with it a host of diseases. The waterlogging and increased humidity make the environment a perfect breeding ground for the growth of various bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

This leads to a sudden upsurge in the incidence of water-borne and vector-borne diseases. Do you also get these problems in the rainy season? If so, this blog is for you. Here, we’re going to discuss some common rainy season diseases and their prevention strategies.

• Dengue fever
  Dengue is one of the most common rainy season diseases that affects innumerable patients of every age every year. Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes flu-like symptoms.

Though its treatment is available, ignoring the symptoms and not getting treatment early can lead to severe complications. Sometimes it can be life-threatening as well.

As dengue breeds in stagnant water, the best prevention strategy is eliminating stagnant water around your surroundings. Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothes to reduce your risk of mosquito bites further.

• Malaria
  Malaria is another common rainy season illness. It is a mosquito-borne infectious illness that typically causes symptoms like fever, fatigue, vomiting and headaches. The good news is that it is both preventable and curable. But remember to get proper treatment early on to prevent any complications.

Its prevention strategies are similar to dengue. Use mosquito nets and insect repellents, and take anti-malarial medication as a healthcare professional prescribes.

• Leptospirosis
  This bacterial disease is transmitted through contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals. This causes symptoms like high fever, nausea, red eyes, abdominal pain, headaches, chills, vomiting and other symptoms.

For prevention, avoid wading through flooded areas and wear protective footwear when outdoors. Proper sanitation and hygiene practices are also crucial in preventing the spread of this disease.

• Typhoid
  Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can spread throughout the body. It occurs due to consuming contaminated food and water. So, it’s good to consume clean and hygienic foods and hygiene all around for prevention of this disease.
• Chikungunya
  This viral disease occurs due to bites of the Aedes mosquito. It is somewhat similar to dengue fever. For prevention, use mosquito repellents, wear long clothing, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.

Apart from them, the rainy season also increases the risk of common colds, flu, and fungal infections. To stay healthy, maintain good personal hygiene, drink clean and boiled water, eat freshly prepared food, wear full-sleeve clothes and use mosquito repellents.

Furthermore, eating a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep can also help in preventing these diseases.

If you are experiencing any symptoms of this disease, it is important to take advice from a doctor and follow their prescription.