Monsoon Fevers - 5 Common Monsoon Diseases and Prevention Tips

Max Lab

Aug 29, 2022

Certain diseases like malaria, dengue, etc. are common during the monsoon season and must be managed properly so that health isn’t compromised in any manner whatsoever.

The monsoon season is a respite for everyone as it comes after the scorching summers and refreshes everyone. However, we should not forget that monsoon flu carries with it numerous diseases like Malaria, Cholera, Dengue, Chikungunya, and several others. During monsoons, the immune system is weakened, which, in turn, makes people susceptible to many diseases. However, we should all be aware of why our body is vulnerable during the rainy season or how we can be safe and protected. This blog lists five of the most common monsoon-related diseases and what you can do for prevention or to reduce the risk of getting sick this season.

The Prevalence of Monsoon Diseases in India

The risk of being exposed to bacteria, viruses and other kinds of infections is much higher during the monsoons as compared to any other season. There is high moisture content in the air, enabling microorganisms to thrive, which results in the transmission of seasonal diseases in the rainy season. The most common monsoon diseases are transmitted via four main mediums – mosquitoes, air, water, and contaminated food.

Dengue Fever

Dengue, the viral infection, spreads through the bite of an infected female mosquito - Aedes aegypti mosquito - and can prove to be deadly in severe cases. Symptoms of dengue typically last 2-7 days and can include high dengue fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, and muscle and joint aches. Most people with dengue recover after about a week. It is recommended to visit a doctor if an individual has symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and difficulty in breathing. The healthcare provider may prescribe a dengue blood test from a reputed pathology lab after reviewing the symptoms. There is no specific treatment for dengue or severe dengue yet, and it is important to get proper medical care when diagnosed with the disease. It is best to avoid the disease by keeping a check on mosquito breeding and wearing clothes that fully cover the body so that mosquito bites can be prevented. Most importantly, keep the surroundings clean. There should be no stagnated water near the house as it is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Lastly, make sure to eat a well-balanced diet to boost immunity. 

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Chikungunya

Chikungunya is caused by mosquitoes born in stagnated water. These mosquitoes are found in overhead tanks, coolers, plants, utensils and water pipes. This disease is caused by tiger Aedes Albopictus. Symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after an infected mosquito bites you. The most common symptoms of Chikungunya are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Most patients feel better within a week. However, joint pain can be severe and disabling and may persist for months. People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. For treating the symptoms: it is advised to get plenty of rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration. See your healthcare provider if you have visited an area where chikungunya is found and if you are experiencing the symptoms described above. Tell your healthcare provider when and where you travelled. Your healthcare provider might order blood tests to look for chikungunya or other similar viruses than can cause monsoon illness and lead to fever which is common during the monsoon season.

Typhoid

Typhoid is a highly infectious monsoon-related disease. This disease is usually caused by contaminated food and water. This bacterial infection (caused by the bacteria Salmonella typhi) is more prevalent in areas where hand washing is less frequent. Signs and symptoms of typhoid include a high fever, headache, stomach pain, diarrhea or constipation, weakness, etc. Without proper treatment, there may be several complications in typhoid fever. If you experience any of the aforementioned symptoms of typhoid or complications, then you should immediately consult a physician. The healthcare provider would collect a small sample of your blood, stool, and urine for the test to look for the presence of S. Typhi bacteria for the detection of typhoid. Upon diagnosis of typhoid, your treatment will be started.  Some common tips to reduce the infection spread would be washing hands using soap and water before eating or preparing food and after using the toilet. One can also use an alcohol-based sanitiser when soap and water are unavailable. Drinking only bottled or purified water as contaminated water is one of the major causes of typhoid infection.

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Viral Fever

 Most common during monsoons, viral fever is any fever that’s caused by a viral infection. It can cause a person to feel irritable, fatigued, and achy. Other symptoms may include a runny nose, coughing, nausea, etc. While a viral fever usually goes away with time and supportive measures, you should seek medical help if you have a body temperature that is too high or if you have been continuously vomiting.

Monsoon Skin diseases

The monsoon heat and humid weather invite viral and fungal infections, a perfect setting that encourages skin infections. Skin Eczema, Scabies, Acne, Dermatitis, Heat Rash, Warts, Skin rash, Itchy Skin, and Skin allergy are the most common monsoon skin problems during this season. Common tips to avoid skin disease during monsoons will be to pay attention to personal hygiene at all times by bathing daily and washing your feet and hands once you reach home. Use dermatologists-approved soap, and skin creams, and keep the health of your skin in check. Also, try to avoid clothes, and socks with synthetic fabric as they do not allow skin pores to breathe or evaporation of sweat from your skin. In spite of taking such preventive measures, you might get affected by infections. In cases, the disease aggravates, it is advised to consult a dermatologist for medical treatment.

Diagnosis and Prevention of Seasonal Diseases in the Rainy Season

Knowing about the diagnosis and prevention of seasonal diseases in the rainy season is crucial.

Diagnosis of Monsoon Diseases

To determine the underlying cause of symptoms of common monsoon diseases and the best course of treatment, there are various tests that can be performed. Some of the most common tests prescribed for diagnosing monsoon fever or disease include:

• A complete blood count test
• Blood culture tests
• Urine analysis
• Serological tests

Tips for the Prevention of Seasonal Diseases in the Rainy Season

Increased humidity, the proliferation of insects, and stagnant water are some of the major factors behind the spread of monsoon diseases in India. However, there are several tips that can help avoid contracting a monsoon disease or fever.

• Maintaining personal hygiene and washing hands with soap and water can go a long way in helping avoid monsoon diseases.
• Only drink water that you are assured is clean and safe.
• Avoid eating out too much and shift to eating fresh, home-cooked food.
• Apply mosquito repellents, use mosquito nets, and wear long-sleeved clothing to minimise the risk of mosquito bites.
• Maintain a clean environment and ensure that there are no pools of stagnant water in the surroundings. Ensure that no gutters or drains are clogged to prevent water accumulation and always dispose of garbage bads properly.
• Avoid getting drenched in the rain.
• Add immunity-boosting foods into the diet, stay hydrated, and ensure that you get an adequate amount of sleep.

The risk of being exposed to viruses, bacteria, and other infections is higher in monsoons compared to other seasons. Make sure to be properly covered and follow the prevention tips to avoid being infected by the above-mentioned diseases during this monsoon season.