While the monsoon brings with it, its own charm and a relief to the warm summers, the season also brings along a variety of diseases. The combination of a hot & humid climate with heavy rains and strong gusts of winds accelerates the spread of infectious diseases. The monsoon season is also known as the season of the flu and contributes to causing some of the most common monsoon diseases. Hence, it is just the right time to implement the old saying into action “Prevention is better than cure.” Thus, it is important to understand why our body is so vulnerable during the season and how we can best protect ourselves.

Cold & Flu

Of the most common monsoon diseases, cold and flu infect millions each year. With the advent of monsoon, there is a sudden change in the weather, causing fluctuations in temperature and thereby, weakening our immune systems. This makes us vulnerable and more prone to catch a cough, cold and flu. Maintaining hygiene, washing hands frequently, disinfecting surfaces, exercising, building immunity, and staying warm & dry are some easy measures everyone should take to safeguard themselves from common colds and cases of flu.

Malaria

With the spread of Anopheles mosquitoes, the cases of malaria increase during the monsoon season. These infected mosquitoes transfer parasites to our body, succumbing to fever, headache, fatigue and other symptoms. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) with insecticides, use of mosquito repellents, and wearing clothes with maximum body coverage are some simple ways to protect yourself.

Dengue

One of the extensive lists of monsoon diseases, dengue, spreads through the bites of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes that thrive in and near human lodgings. This disease is spread by getting bit by an infected mosquito which then spreads the virus throughout the person's bloodstream. The use of mosquito repellents, clothes with maximum body coverage, mosquito nets and avoiding exposure in times when mosquitos are at their full strength (like evenings) are some ways to safeguard oneself.

Viral Fever

Monsoon diseases in India can get severe if proper medications and precautions are not taken. Viral fever is one disease that refers to a plethora of viral infections, characterized by a spike in normal body temperature. Children and elderly people are most likely to get infected because of their fragile immune systems. Personal cleanliness, effective waste disposal, usage of clean water, healthy eating and getting timely vaccinations are some lifelong measures one should adopt to safeguard yourself from viral fevers.

Typhoid

It is a type of bacterial infection that can affect several organs in the body. Of all the other waterborne diseases in monsoon, typhoid usually spreads through contaminated water and food. Additionally, coming in close proximity to someone who is infected can also be one of the reasons for catching it. Some common pieces of advice to help stay away from Typhoid are avoiding drinking untreated water, thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables and avoiding the peel if possible, choosing hot and well-cooked foods, getting vaccinated, drinking only pasteurized or boiled milk and maintaining hygiene at all times.

Gastroenteritis

Of all the diseases caused in the monsoon season, bacterial gastroenteritis also known as stomach infection usually happens when your gut is affected by bacterial infection. Inflammation in your intestines and stomach may result in severe abdominal cramps and even vomiting. Washing hands often, not sharing utensils, towels etc. with family members already infected, avoiding uncooked and raw food, washing all fruits and vegetables thoroughly, and drinking plenty of fluids are some simple measures everyone should adopt to protect themselves from Gastroenteritis.

Conclusion

While monsoon is often seen to enhance the mood, and enjoy those special foods, outings and get-togethers, it is extremely important to make sure we take extra precautions. Besides those mentioned above, our house must be properly ventilated and absolutely clean. Leaks, damp areas or stagnant water collections in or around our homes, where mosquitos can breed must be removed or repaired. And an overall hygienic and cautious environment must be maintained at all times.