Common Diseases You Should Worry About This Rainy Season

Introduction:

Monsoon is the season for rejuvenation after the harshest summer in India. While the monsoon has its advantages, it has its disadvantages. Floods, waterlogging and incessant rainfall can lead to the spread of infectious illnesses. In this article, we will look at some of the most common diseases in India during the rainy season.

To help you stay healthy during this monsoon, we’ve highlighted some essential yes and no tips below. Check them out to ensure you’re prepared for the rainy season!

Vector-Borne Diseases:

Dengue

Dengue is a viral disease caused by the bite of an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito. It is a widespread occurrence in India during the rainy season. In 2021, the country reported around 1.64 lakh cases alone. The Aedes Aegypti mosquito commonly roams around at dusk and dawn, so one should keep their doors and windows shut during this time. You should also be careful not to leave stagnant water for too long as the mosquitoes breed in buckets, flower vases, water coolers and uncovered barrels.

You will likely develop symptoms post an infection within 5-6 days. It can present as –  

Classical Dengue Fever

This is also referred to the ‘break bone fever’ and the associated symptoms are

• High-grade fever
•  Rash
•  Sore throat
•  Headache
•  Red eyes
•  Nausea and vomiting
•  Joint and muscle ache

Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever

This is a life-threatening condition accompanied by severe symptoms such as:

•  Chills
•  Frontal headache
•  Severe body pain
•  Flushed skin
•  Anorexia (loss of appetite)
•  Abdominal pain and tenderness
•  Nose bleed
•  Bruises and petechiae (red spots) on the skin 

Chikungunya Fever

Similar to dengue, Chikungunya is also caused by the bite of either an infected Aedes Aegypti mosquito and Aedes Albopictus Mosquito. The mosquito will breed in stagnant water, you should check and clear away water daily. Symptoms will include:

•  High fever
• Debilitating joint pain
• Myalgia (muscular pain)
• Conjunctivitis (pink, watery eyes)
• Nausea
• Aggravated arthritis pain
• Rash or skin bumps
• Headache

Malaria

Malaria is caused by the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito under similar conditions Chikungunya and Dengue.

When bit by the concerned mosquito, you will show signs such as:

•  Fever
•  Rapid breathing
•  Fatigue
•  Cough
•  Rapid heartbeat
•  Joint or muscle pain
•  Abdominal pain
•  Chills
•  Feeling of discomfort

Malaria can sometimes be fatal when caused by Plasmodium falciparum; it can lead to health complications such as low blood sugar count, organ failure, breathing issues, anaemia and cerebral malaria. Similarly, other mentioned fevers can be dangerous if not diagnosed and treated on time. Diagnose your condition, the doctor will ask questions about your recent travel history, medical record and age and list down a few blood tests you will need to undertake immediately. Once confirmed, he/she will suggest prescription drugs treat your illness. 

Gastrointestinal Diseases:

1. Typhoid

Typhoid is a severe condition caused by Salmonella Typhi bacteria through contaminated food and water. The incubation period of the bacteria is about 7-14 days, during which time you will show signs of:

•  Headaches
•  Lethargy
•  Diarrhoea
•  Aches and pains
•  Reduced appetite
•  Fever that may rise as high as 104 degrees

2. Cholera

Cholera is a severe version of diarrhoea caused due to intestinal infection with vibrio cholerae bacteria. People fall prey to this condition when they consume contaminated food and water. Some may recover with mild symptoms, while others can develop symptoms that can prove life-threatening. Some common signs are:

• Watery motions – severe diarrhoea
• Dehydration
• Leg cramps
• Irritability
• Loss of skin elasticity
• Low blood pressure
• Drying of the mucous membranes
• Fast heartbeat

3. Stomach Infections

During monsoon, you can, on average, expect to experience a few issues with your gut or digestive health. This is because the humid weather and an influx of bacterial and viral activity in your surroundings might mess up your stomach, make your digestion sluggish and sometimes even lead to infection. You might experience conditions which may become more pronounced during this time, such as:

• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Acidity
• Indigestion
• Ulcers

Treatment:

The ideal way to stay healthy and safe is to eat home-cooked meals and avoid junk food. Stick to a well-balanced diet low in spices and fats, exercise regularly and not consume water from outside unless it is packaged and treated. 

If you have developed a stomach infection and a fever that persists for more than 3 days, you should consult a doctor and book necessary lab tests as advised by your doctor. A stomach infection should never be ignored, as it could be a telling sign of something more serious lurking beneath.

PharmEasy Monsoon Fever Package – Advanced:

PharmEasy offers a special group lab test package that includes Complete Blood Count / Hemogram (CBC), Platelet Count, Total Leucocytes (WBC) Count, Absolute Basophil Count (ABC), Monocytes, Haemoglobin (Hb), Dengue NS 1 Antigen, Malarial Antigen Test and more. Doctors usually advise these tests to detect the cause of fever.

Common Conditions:

Aside from vector-borne diseases and gastrointestinal issues, some common diseases during the rainy season are

Cold and Cough

Fluctuations in temperature, getting drenched during a downpour and sudden changes in weather from humid to cold can make one vulnerable to cold and flu conditions. Some preventive measures for common cold and flu include consuming home-cooked or hygienic, nutritious meals. Always stay warm and dry. Even if you get wet on the way to work, school or college, immediately dry yourself with a hand towel. Ensure to keep spare clothes in your bag if possible. Other measures you can follow are maintaining distance from someone sick or infected and following good hygiene daily.

Allergies

Due to high pollution levels, wetness and humidity, the exposed parts of the body such as the back, the hands, face and feet can become sensitive to exposure to allergens. Some skin conditions you might face are:

• Skin rashes
• Increased acne
• Itchy scalp 

The best way to prevent skin allergies is to keep your skin dry. Use mild body cleansers, take frequent baths, wear minimal make-up (your skin should be able to breathe) and wear fresh and dry clothes. Seek medical attention from a dermatologist as soon as the allergies appear.

Conclusion:

Monsoon is a beautiful time to spend time with your loved ones over a hot cup of chai and some piping hot home-cooked pakoras while you enjoy the pitter-patter of raindrops outside. Stay aware and healthy and enjoy the beauty of rain the best. Eat well, maintain personal hygiene at all times and take immediate action if at any time you are feeling under the weather. Most infections present with symptoms like fever, headache and weakness, but one must not try to self-medicate in these conditions. Always consult a doctor, get necessary lab tests and follow the treatment prescribed.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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