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.
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
Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever: This is a life-threatening condition accompanied by severe symptoms such as:
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:
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:
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.
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:
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:
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:
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.
Also Read: Vitamin D3 Deficiency Symptoms: A Comprehensive Guide to Signs and Management options
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. You can easily avail the test package with just one click. Book Monsoon Fever Package – Advanced Now!
Aside from vector-borne diseases and gastrointestinal issues, some common diseases during the rainy season are
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.
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:
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.
Also Read: Montair Lc Tablet
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 included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
The monsoon season might seem like a respite after the scorching summer heat, but it is also the time when several diseases are on the rise. In India, the monsoon season arrives in the month of June and lasts till September. It refreshes everyone, but the weather remains humid and it is ideal for germs to flourish and a perfect breeding time for mosquitoes. Deadly diseases like Malaria, Dengue, Chikungunya and Typhoid are common diseases during the rainy season and almost all of these present with a few common symptoms like fever, weakness and body ache.
Dengue – Every year in India, many people die due to dengue. There are 1,64,103 dengue cases reported in 2021. It is spread by the female Aedes mosquitoes and they usually bite during the daytime or before dusk. The symptoms of this disease include high fever followed by body aches. The affected individual may also experience excessive sweating and headaches, pain behind the eyes, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, rashes, mild bleeding and low blood pressure. In severe cases, there may be less urination and breathlessness in the patients. There is a risk of a drop in platelet count during dengue which can prove fatal if not addressed timely.
Chikungunya – This particular disease in the rainy season is also spread by mosquitoes. These mosquitoes are usually found in overhead tanks, coolers, plants and water pipes. This infectious disease is also carried by the tiger mosquito, Aedes. A chikungunya patient experiences symptoms like acute joint pain, high fever, fatigue and body chills. Certain complications of the disease include inflammation of the retina, heart muscle, liver, kidneys and more.
Malaria – This disease in monsoon is caused by mosquitoes as well. Water clogging during the rainy season is a major breeding ground for mosquitoes. The symptoms of this disease are high fever, shivering and body chills, excess sweating and severe anaemia. It is important to address these symptoms and get proper treatment. Otherwise, it may cause health complications like cerebral malaria, which leads to death among malaria patients, seizures, renal failure, jaundice and respiratory disorders may also occur.
Typhoid – It is one of the highly infectious monsoon-related diseases. It is caused due to contaminated food and water and the symptoms include prolonged high fever, weakness, abdominal pain, reduced appetite and others. Without proper treatment, there may be several complications in typhoid fever.
Influenza – The sudden change in weather and fluctuation in temperature can cause influenza. This is a viral infection that can spread from one person to another. The symptoms of this disease include fever, muscle aches, sore throat, nasal congestion and dry, persistent cough. The disease can worsen if left untreated. It may cause pneumonia and trigger other chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
There are several other monsoon illnesses that occur during the monsoon season, including diarrhoea, due to drinking contaminated water or food, which causes fever. So this monsoon season, you must be well prepared to protect yourself against these health problems. There is a need for extra care and awareness during the rainy season.
In the rainy season, the risk of infection and fever is more common and our immune system must be boosted to fight these diseases. Here are a few tips to follow in order to prevent these diseases during the rainy season:
Mosquito borne illnesses are preventable by mosquito nets, while influenza can be prevented by taking yearly Influenza vaccine shot 1 month before rainy season.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
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. These tests are usually advised by doctors to detect the cause of fever. You can easily avail the test package with just one click. Book Monsoon Fever Package – Advanced Now!
PharmEasy’s trusted and certified labs conduct each test in a precise way. You can get a FREE sample collection* by professional phlebotomists from your home or the preferred location. You will also receive the reports timely and can stay protected and healthy this monsoon season.
If you encounter severe stomach ache, with nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea during monsoon without any factors related to food, this should be suspicion of consumption of unclean water which is commonly known to cause bacterial diarrhea and associated illnesses during monsoon.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
During the rainy season, we are at an increased risk of exposure to infections and illnesses that cause fever. Several viruses and bacteria multiply and infect humans during this season. This may interrupt and affect your daily activities to a large extent. It is important to know what illnesses commonly attack during the monsoon in India and how to prevent them. As soon as you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult the doctor and get yourself tested to avoid further health complications.
Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
For more than a year and a half, COVID-19 has dominated the news and been the chief topic of conversation. After the destruction it wreaked during the second wave, it is not surprising that people start panicking the moment their body temperature exceeds the normal. Fever is one of the primary symptoms of COVID-19. Doctors have been telling us to get an RT-PCR test done if we experience fever and other signs of COVID-19.
While it is always better to be safe than sorry and get tested for COVID-19, you need to know that having a fever does not always mean that you have contracted a COVID infection. It could just be a seasonal fever. But fever is also a common symptom associated with many other infections and diseases. You need to be wary of them as well.
Monsoon is that time of the year when multiple diseases strike India. Some of these diseases are harmless while others have the potential to become deadly. Many of the symptoms of these diseases are rather similar to COVID-19. You need to be able to differentiate them so that you can take the right action at the right time.
Let us look at monsoon diseases more closely.
In India, there are 3 types of monsoon illnesses:
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to tell the diseases apart from the symptoms they trigger. Here is how they are similar:
Wondering about the differences between the monsoon diseases and COVID-19? Viral fever vs corona or common cold vs COVID or malaria vs COVID, how can they be differentiated? By understanding the symptoms you are experiencing:
The best way to know which illness you are down with is to consult a doctor the moment your symptoms show up. Doctors are more adept at understanding your symptoms and linking them to the diseases that might be causing them. For diagnosis, doctors recommend tests. For example, usually, the MAC-ELISA blood test is recommended for detecting dengue, the Widal test for typhoid and the Culture Method is prescribed for cholera.
It is imperative that you do not waste time once you start experiencing symptoms. Diseases like dengue, typhoid or cholera can be fatal if you are not given the right medication as soon as possible.
Prevention is always more preferable to cure. There are a few simple ways you can keep yourself safe from monsoon illnesses:
If you or your loved ones are ill, seek medical help immediately, even if you think the symptoms are minor. With proper medication, nutrition and care, it is possible to bring monsoon illnesses and COVID-19 in control but only if the diagnosis happens at the right time.
Also Read: Dolo 650 Uses
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.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
We as humans always are living in a dynamic atmosphere. Our diet, weather, routines, and a multitude of other factors change on a regular basis. Likewise, the microbial content of even an otherwise healthy person’s gut can be affected by changes in the environment or season. This is more so in monsoon when the dampness in the weather hugely increases the disease-causing microbes.
Paradoxically, the gut enzymes activity is lesser in the wet season than in summers, thus affecting the process of digestion. This may lead to indigestion and cause sluggishness.
Also Read: Benefits of Colostrum: A Deep-Dive Into its Health-Boosting Properties
It is therefore essential to pay heed to what we eat.
Children are vulnerable in the monsoons and often fall prey to infections and viruses. Here are simple tips to keep your children healthy this season! Monsoons also wreak havoc on one’s skin, but you can avoid them. Learn how here. If you have waded through floodwater, learn how to prevent leptospirosis.
Happy and healthy monsoon!
Also Read: What Is Leaky Gut: Exploring the Facts and Debunking the Myths
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.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Monsoon has set in, and streets are flooded at many places in India. It is essential to consider and avoid certain things to prevent bacterial diseases which generally spread via exposure to such contaminated water.
Exposure to water contaminated with infected animal urine or contact with the urine of infected animals such as rodents, cattle, and pets can cause Leptospirosis.
Therefore, it is essential to protect oneself from contaminated water and infected animals especially if one is pregnant or lactating or an older adult.
Drink boiled water or appropriately purified water.
Avoid wading through floodwater. Avoid swimming or dipping head in rivers, lakes or water suspected to be contaminated with animal urine.
If you have any wounds on your feet or body exposed to contaminated water or your job or other activities (trekking, water sports, swimming, boating or animal rearing), involve exposure to contaminated soil or water or infected animals, ensure adequate protection. Cover your wounds, wear waterproof and protective footwear and clothing like gumboots, rubber gloves, etc.
Watch for rodents in the house and contamination of food and water. Get rid of these appropriate using measures at the earliest. If you have pets, ensure appropriate vaccination which is generally repeated annually.
Nevertheless, if you begin to suffer from either fever, headache, muscle aches, indigestion, rashes or a cough seek medical advice at the earliest because these could be symptoms of leptospirosis and initial treatment has better results and improvement.
Children are prone to infections and viral fever during monsoons. Learn tips to keep your kids healthy in the monsoons. Keep skin infections at bay this rainy season with these tips.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
During the early monsoon, humidity in India is very high!
Our skin naturally has several tiny micro-organisms. The local skin temperature and environmental humidity are most conducive to the growth of microorganisms in early monsoon. In addition, in people who suffer from diseases like type 2 diabetes or any condition which lowers immunity, there is a higher risk of infection when the humidity in the atmosphere rises, particularly during the monsoon season. Therefore it is essential to take extra care of our skin health this season too.
Rashes and itching in the region of skinfolds can be caused by skin-on-skin friction, which can increase due to moisture. Such inflammation is bothersome in obese adults as well as children. Also, such inflammation can occur in natural body folds. Inflammation of the skin due to increased moisture or humidity in the environment further increases the risk of infections. Hence, it is essential to reduce moisture in the skin/skin folds using appropriate measures. For eg., Powders are absorptive.
Pay additional attention to personal hygiene measures like regular bath, hand hygiene with soap and water, using alcohol-based hand rub, and trimming nails. Avoid overcrowded places, avoid reuse of essentials or sharing of personal items for example towels etc. If one is physically very active or travels a lot, it is important to shower well and pat dry the body especially the skin folds, and space between fingers and toes thoroughly.
When the temperature drops and the humidity falls, your skin looks out for hydration. Cold weather can lead to cracks in the outer layers of your skin, inflammation and a general lack of moisture.
The dryness can lead to a build-up of excess dry skin, which is likely to clog your pores, and cause your skin to break out or flare up, regular exfoliation and milky lotions have shown to be beneficial in such situations.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
To reduce the risk of foot infections, it is advisable to –
Monsoon and resulting decrease in temperature cause increase in sebum production, clogging of pores and can cause acne, folliculitis. Incidence of rashes increases with the onset of monsoon because fall in temperature with humid weather causes pollen grains to burst open releasing pollen allergens into the air.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
To reduce the risk of skin infections
If one already has some wound, it is essential to watch for infection since moisture increases the risk. Medical advice should be sought.
Children are easily affected by the moisture and dampness in the monsoons. They are more prone to infections. Here is how you can keep children healthy in monsoons. If you have waded through monsoon waters, you are vulnerable to Leptospirosis. Read here how to avoid it.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
Monsoon increases the dampness in the environment which encourages growth and spread of infection-causing germs. If proper care is taken along with an appropriate diet, we can prevent certain infections in children.Eat right
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
There is no denying that the first shower of the monsoon after hot days of summer rejuvenates our ‘ole dull lives. However, monsoon does not just bring a pleasant breeze, it also results in an increase in dampness and fall in the temperature, often bringing multiple risks associated with breathing issues. Those with asthma and other breathing-related allergies, therefore, have to be a little cautious when enjoying the season. However, don’t fret! To keep your asthma issues at bay, we present some precautionary measures that you can easily incorporate during your monsoon days so that you can enjoy the showers like the rest of us.
Take Care of those Dampen Walls
During rainy days, a majority of us complain about the dampness in the walls. Therefore, it is crucial that you prevent your walls from getting dampened as moist walls could worsen your asthma symptoms. Moreover, they could also lead to other respiratory issues. If possible, get damp-proof work done. Likewise, you could also mould off the walls with anti-moisture or anti-mould bleach. Additionally, if you could afford to invest in a good dehumidifier or air purifier to control the atmosphere within the house, that will be helpful.
Keep the Doors and Windows Closed
Rainy days are the breeding times for various health issues. So, it is always in your safety to keep the doors and windows of your house closed, especially in those places where water is heavily involved such as the kitchen, wash area or bathrooms. Doing so will help reduce the circulation of moisture in the atmosphere. Moreover, proper cross-ventilation also helps. This means the more the sunlight enters your house (even for a shorter time), the better it helps in keeping the unneeded moisture away. You could also use blinders instead of curtains to ensure the limited entry of dust inside your house. If possible, try to stay home as much as you can or wear a dust mask while going outside.
Avoid Indoor Plants for a While
If you are a plant lover and have any indoor plants in your bedroom, it is time to keep them away. Research suggests that monsoon leads to an increased presence of pollen grains in the air. Moreover, since pollen grains could trigger asthma attacks, it is better to avoid keeping plants inside the home.
Pets and You
In case you have a furry pet in your house, ensure that your pet’s movement is somewhat restricted. As pets usually prefer to stay indoors during the monsoon to avoid getting wet, there is a high probability of them shedding their fur on the floor. Since asthma could also be triggered by animal fur, especially in children, it is better that you keep restricted contact with your furry loved ones.
Apart from all these tips mentioned above, it is essential that you take asthma medications regularly. Moreover, avoid catching a cold or flu. While these precautionary tips would secure you from additional breathing issues during the monsoon days, it is always advisable to seek your doctor if you notice anything unusually different about your asthma symptoms.
Read More: Asthma Treatment – What You Need To Know
Happy Monsoon!
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
