Diseases Common in Rainy Season: Top Tips for Prevention

Infectious disease rates are directly correlated with variations in temperature, sunshine, precipitation, wind, humidity, and other seasonal and environmental factors. Due to increased humidity, waterlogging, and other environmental factors, a number of infections and disorders become more common during India's monsoon season. In India, the monsoon season increases the risk of dehydration and mosquito-borne illnesses, as well as diseases like dengue, malaria, cholera, typhoid, flu, leptospirosis, and fungal infections brought on by waterlogging.

While the monsoon provides relief from the oppressively hot weather, the abrupt shift in temperature raises the risk of multiple infections. Humans are more susceptible to potentially fatal infections as a result of waterlogging and stagnant water in various locations, which give germs and pathogens the ideal breeding ground.

The diseases and infections that are common during the monsoon season are listed below. Additionally, preventive measures for a healthy monsoon.

Common Monsoon-Related Diseases

Following are the diseases commonly encountered during monsoon season:

1. Mosquito-Borne Diseases

During the monsoon season, people may get diseases from mosquito bites, including chikungunya, dengue, and malaria. Rain-induced mosquito population growth makes it relatively easy to get these kinds of illnesses.

Malaria: Anopheles mosquitoes are the vector of transmission of Plasmodium parasites. Plasmodium that enters human blood through this mosquito’s bite. Typical malaria symptoms include chills, fever, body pain, and sweating. If any of these symptoms seem familiar to you, get tested.
Dengue: Aedes aegypti mosquito bites are the primary means of dengue transmission. It manifests as low platelet counts, fever, rashes, and headaches. Delayed treatment and inadequate management of the illness may result in the patient's death.
Chikungunya: In particular, during the rainy season, chikungunya spreads. The tiger Aedes albopictus is the culprit behind this illness, which manifests as fever, chills, exhaustion, and joint pain.

2. Respiratory Diseases

In addition to other illnesses, the monsoon season also brings airborne respiratory diseases like colds, flu, influenza, fever, sore throats, and other breathing disorders. The airborne bacteria are what spreads them. Elderly people and young children are particularly vulnerable to these diseases due to compromised or weak immune systems.

Influenza: The influenza virus primarily affects the nose, throat, and lungs. This seasonal flu spreads quickly from one person to the next. The abrupt change in temperature that occurs during the monsoon season is the main cause of colds and the flu.
Asthma: Due to increased allergens like humidity, temperature change and mold growth, there may occur narrowing of airway, causing asthma in susceptible individuals.
Pneumonia: Because of the damp weather and increased spread of respiratory infections, there is an increased risk of pneumonia during the monsoon.
Bronchitis: The moist, cold conditions of the monsoon season can exacerbate inflammation in the inner lining of the airway, resulting in more respiratory problems.

3. Fungal Infections

Athlete's foot: Our perspiring feet exacerbate the fungal growth, which thrives in the moist and humid conditions. Foot fungus, commonly referred to as athlete's foot, is a common ailment that many people experience in the monsoon season.
Ringworm: A common monsoon infection, ringworm typically affects the feet, neck, and underarms. Long-term wear of damp clothing may be a contributing factor. Wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows for air circulation is advised to prevent ringworm.
Fungal nail infections: Monsoon season is when toenail fungus infections are most common. During this period, debris that gets lodged in the nails attracts fungi that can lead to nail infections. Consequently, it's critical to maintain neat, well-trimmed nails, particularly if you have an athlete's foot.

4. Bacterial Infections

Due to suitable environment bacteria get the best opportunity to survive, grow, and spread from person to person, consequently increasing the load of infections in the population.

Leptospirosis: Both humans and animals can contract leptospirosis, a bacterial disease. It is disseminated by the animals' urine, or feces. Conditions that are damp and humid tend to increase the risk of leptospirosis.

5. Water & Food-Borne Diseases

Water-borne infections like cholera, typhoid, diarrhea, jaundice, hepatitis A, and stomach infections are common in this type of environment. Most of the time, contaminated water from sewage pipes, potholes, and other sources spreads these infections. People get sick with monsoon diseases because this dirty or tainted water is commonly used for cooking and other household chores.

Typhoid: It happens when food or water contaminated with Salmonella typhi is consumed.
Cholera: This bacterial infection spreads through the water and is caused by vibrio cholera strains.
Gastroenteritis: The monsoon season increases the risk of food and water contamination, which can lead to gastroenteritis (inflammation of gastrointestinal tract).
Diarrhea: Increased moisture and high temperature during the monsoon season result in food contamination, which greatly raises the risk of diarrhea.

Top Tips for Prevention of Diseases This Rainy Season

Following are the tips that can help you in preventing monsoon-related diseases:

Wash your hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizers.
Consume freshly cooked home-made food.
Drink only purified or boiled water.
Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
Maintain adequate hydration during the monsoon season.
Use mosquito repellents to repel mosquitoes.
Close your windows & doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home in the evening.
Use mosquito nets for sleeping, especially for kids.
Dispose of garbage properly and ensure that waste bins have tightly sealed lids.
Prevent water lodging near you.
Get tested immediately if you have visited a disease affected area or have any symptoms.
Make way for early and effective treatment solutions with regular preventive testing.
Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms, including fever, body aches, diarrhea, or respiratory problems.
Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent disease escalation and help in speedy recovery.

Conclusion

Monsoon in India refreshes the environment but also ramps up disease risks. Rain, humidity, and stagnant water invite mosquitoes, bacteria, and viruses. Stay healthy and savor the season with smart prevention!

Choose Dr. B. Lal Labs for getting regular health checkups and taking control of your health in your own hands this monsoon. Book your health package now and develop this healthy habit from today.

FAQs

Q1: Which diseases are common in the wet season?

A: During the rainy season, cases of illnesses like malaria, dengue, chikungunya, and typhoid fever rise in number. These illnesses almost all have similar symptoms, such as fever, weakness, and body aches.

Q2: Why does the rainy season make me sick?

A: There's a widespread misperception that rain can make you sick. Long-term wetness, humidity, and sudden changes in temperature, can cause your body temperature to drop to the point where your immune system is weakened, increasing your chance of contracting the flu or a cold.

Q3: How does regular testing help me prevent monsoon-related diseases?

A: Regular testing helps detect early signs of monsoon-related diseases, enabling timely treatment and reducing the risk of severe health complications.