The rainy season brings along with it a host of diseases. Dr Pankaj Aggarwal gives some useful tips on how to protect yourself
Monsoon not just brings relief from the sizzling heat of summers, but also many diseases along with it. Due to the wet and humid climate, skin infections become common during this season; some are easily treated while a few can be life-threatening. Here are some tips to prevent them:
Malaria: Spread by the female anopheles mosquito, this is the most common disease this season. Since there is a problem of waterlogging, mosquitoes get conducive conditions to breed. This is the most dangerous disease in India, which causes many deaths. The symptoms are fever at regular intervals, bouts of shivering, muscle pain and weakness.
Prevention: Since this disease is spread by mosquitoes, repellents and nets should be used. Make sure that water does not stagnate in your area. There is an ABCD rule of malaria prevention:
· Awareness of risk
· Bite prevention
· Antimalarial medication chemoprophylaxis
· Prompt diagnosis and treatment
Cholera: The bacterium that causes cholera is usually found in contaminated food or water. Poor hygiene helps this disease spread. Severe diarrhoea is the most common symptom of cholera. There could also be vomiting and muscle cramps.
Prevention: It always wise to get vaccinated as it secures you for almost six months.
· Wash hands with soap and water frequently.
· Drink clean water. Hot beverages are generally safe as are canned or bottled drinks.
· Eat food that is completely cooked and hot; avoid street food.
· Avoid sushi as well as raw or improperly cooked fish or seafood.
· Stick to fruits and vegetables that you can peel yourself.
· Be wary of dairy foods, including ice cream, which is made of unpasteurised milk.
Typhoid: This is a water-borne disease caused by styptic bacteria which is transmitted while consuming contaminated water and food. The worst part of the infection can remain in the gall bladder of the patient even after it is cured. Most common symptom is prolonged fever, severe pain in abdomen and headache.
Prevention: This is highly communicable disease, so the patient should be isolated from the rest of the family. Getting vaccination in advance also helps. The patients should have a high intake of fluids to prevent dehydration. Precautions should continue even after apparent recovery.
Viral Fever: This is a common disease all over the world, but during monsoon it’s more prevalent. Constant sneezing, sore throat and fever are the common symptoms.
Prevention: The easiest way is to avoid getting wet in rain. The best homemade remedy is a glass of hot turmeric milk. Gargles with warm water give relief to your sore throat. If things don’t improve, see a doctor.
Stomach Infection: Monsoon also brings along stomach infections such as gastroenteritis, which causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. In gastroenteritis, stomach and intestines are irritated and inflamed. The cause is typically a viral or bacterial infection.
Prevention: Wash your hands thoroughly after using the bathroom.
· Do not eat or drink food or liquids that might be contaminated.
· Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
· Keep your cutting board clean and keep separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables.
· Drink a lot of water to stay hydrated and ensure that the water is clean and filtered.
· Avoid consuming spicy and sugary food.
Dengue: When a mosquito bites a person infected by dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. When the infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters that person’s bloodstream.
Prevention: Mosquito bed nets could be used when the room is not air-conditioned.
· Aerosol and liquid sprays have to be applied directly on the mosquito for killing them.
· Wear long-sleeved clothes and long trousers when going outdoors. You can prevent mosquito bite by applying insect repellent on your clothes and exposed part of the body, especially when you travel or are outdoors.
Chikungunya: This is transmitted by the bite of infected aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes breed in stagnated water and bite during daytime.
Prevention: Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes away. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
· Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
· Use insect repellents and sunscreen.
Jaundice: It is a yellowish tinge to the skin and sclerae (white part of the eye) that is caused by hyperbilirubinemia (an excess of bilirubin in the blood). Body fluids may also be yellow. The colour of the skin and sclerae varies depending on levels of bilirubin; mildly elevated levels display yellow skin and sclerae, while highly elevated levels display brown.
Prevention: Vaccines for Hepatitis A and B.
· Avoid heavy alcohol use.
· Take medication before travelling to high-risk regions.
· Avoid potentially contaminated food/water, and maintain good hygiene.
leptospirosis: This is a fairly uncommon bacterial infection caused by a strain of leptospirosis. It is most commonly transmitted from animals to humans by animal urine or water containing animal urine coming into contact with breaks in the skin, eyes, mouth or nose.
Prevention: At work: If you have an occupation where you come in contact with animals, sources of contaminated water, such as farming or working with sewers or drains, wear adequate protective clothing. This could include waterproof gloves, boots, goggles and mask.
· Travelling abroad: If you are travelling to parts of the world where leptospirosis is widespread, you may wish to limit your exposure to freshwater sources, such as rivers, ponds or lakes. If you are unable to avoid these, you should ensure that you wear adequate protective clothing. You should only drink sealed bottled water or fresh water that has been boiled. Never touch a dead animal with bare hands.
· Animal vaccination: At the moment, there isn’t a vaccine that protects humans from leptospirosis, but it is possible to vaccinate cattle, dogs and some other animals. If you think you may be at risk of contracting leptospirosis from one of your animals, you may want to consider getting them vaccinated.
The writer is a Delhi-based homeopathic physician