The arrival of monsoon has resulted in the much needed relief from the immense scorching heat of summer, 2023. As refreshing as it may feel, the onset of rains brings with them a host of infections and health challenges. The high moisture content in the air and water-logged surroundings provide an ideal environment for the harmful microbes to thrive. The most common diseases during rainy season are transmitted via three routes: mosquitoes, water and air. 

MOSQUITOE BORNE DISEASES: 

DENGUE: is caused by Aedes Aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water like in buckets, swimming pools, air coolers, AC duct, flower pots, overhead tanks, refrigerators. Symptoms are high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rashes. 

MALARIA: is caused by the parasite Plasmodium which is carried by host Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms are high fever, chills, night sweats, vomiting, pain abdomen, confusion. 

CHIKUNGUNYA : is caused by Aedes albopictus mosquito. Symptoms include severe pain and stiffness in bones and joints associated with high grade fever. 

WATER BORNE DISEASES

Includes Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A, Leptospirosis, Gastrointestinal infections. These infections occur after consumption of unhygienic food or contaminated water. Symptoms are mostly diarrhoea, vomiting, abdomen pain, nausea, fatigue, decreased appetite, jaundice, fever. 

AIR BORNE INFECTIONS

Includes Common cold, Influenza A, H1N1, mostly occurs in people with weak immune system and presents with fever, chills, runny nose, sore throat, headache. 

GENERAL HEALTH TIPS TO STAY SAFE FROM ALL THESE INFECTIONS: 

• Don’t allow water to stagnate anywhere in and around the house
• Use mosquito repellents, mosquito nets while sleeping and wear long sleeved cotton clothes.
• Drink clean filtered water
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption
• Avoid street food Ensure proper hand hygiene
• Cover nose/mouth while coughing or sneezing
• Include Vitamin C rich food in diet like oranges, lemon, fresh green vegetables, sprouts

PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE: 

Avoid self-diagnosis and over the counter medications if you observe any of the above mentioned symptoms. Instead consult your physician immediately.