Unmasking Common Monsoon Diseases & Precautions
Medically Reviewed By
Dr Divya Rohra
Written By Meenakshi
on Jun 27, 2023
Last Edit Made By Meenakshi
on Jan 9, 2025
Ah, the much-awaited season of the year, the monsoon, is finally here! While the picturesque charm of nature, lush greenery all around, and the sound of tiny raindrops evoke a sense of tranquility and give relief from the scorching heat, it brings some uninvited illnesses. This wet & humid climate contributes to waterborne infections to pesky mosquito bites that can be fatal if left unaddressed. Here in this blog, we are unmasking those sneaky diseases stealing your monsoon fun and sharing precautions that help you enjoy the rain while keeping your health in good shape. So, let’s dig into the information.
Common Illnesses During Monsoon Season:
- Dengue: The rainy season sets for perfect breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes, which increases the cases of dengue viral infection. The disease spreads via the bite of an infected mosquito that turns out to be fatal if left unaddressed. Therefore, identify the signs, like high fever, vomiting, bone pain, pain behind the eyes, and more, and discover methods to prevent them.
To Prevent Dengue:
- Make sure there is no stagnant water in your surroundings.
- Wear full sleeves & light-colored clothing to protect against mosquito bites.
- Keep windows & doors closed or use mosquito screens.
- Take the Dengue Test to confirm the condition & initiate the preventive measures with the proper treatment.
Summary: Detect & deal with dengue early to avoid damage to a possible extent.
- Malaria: The magical raindrops carry more than just freshness. During the season, malaria fever is another common problem that begins the cause of concern.
To Prevent Malaria:
- Ensure there is no stagnant water around your home.
- Wear protective clothing that keeps your arm & legs covered.
- Get the shot.
- Notice unusual signs & act early.
Summary: Take Malaria Testing seriously to confirm or rule out the disease and ensure better care & management.
- Chikungunya: Another disease the rainy season is responsible for is Chikungunya. It begins within 3 – 7 days of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquito bites and causes acute joint pain, fever, lethargy, weakness & chills. The symptoms can be severe & long-lasting and need to be addressed at the earliest to prevent complications.
To Prevent Chikungunya:
- Keep mosquitoes outdoors.
- Use effective insect repellents.
- Prevent mosquito bites.
Summary: Confirm the cause of your symptoms with early screening to prevent the severities to a possible extent.
- Typhoid: Apart from stagnant water, contaminated water is also a cause of concern, leading to a high risk for waterborne illnesses like typhoid. Caused by the bacterium Salmonella typhi, typhoid transmits through contaminated water or food. Some signs indicating the problem include weakness, stomach ache, diarrhea, cough, loss of appetite, etc.
To Prevent Typhoid:
- Drink clean water.
- Maintain proper hygiene.
- Eat thoroughly cooked food.
- Get a vaccination shot.
Summary: Early diagnosis is the first step toward prevention & better protection. So, be alert to enjoy the bliss of the monsoon while keeping fever blues away.
- Cholera: Another disease that can ruin your monsoon mood is Cholera. It is another waterborne disease that spreads through contaminated water & food. Therefore, being careful about your dietary choice is essential to get most of the monsoon
To Prevent Cholera:
- Drink safe & purified water.
- Wash fruits & vegetables thoroughly.
- Keep hands clean & maintain sanitization.
- Avoid stale food & street food.
Summary: Simple precautions can significantly shield you from this formidable foe. So, be alert and act in time.
- Respiratory Infections: Don’t be surprised! The rise in humidity & moisture in the monsoon season can lead to a high risk of several respiratory-related illnesses, including cold, flu & pneumonia.
To Prevent Respiratory Infections:
- Avoid close contact with those infected.
- Keep mouth & nose covered while sneezing or coughing.
- Maintain proper ventilation in your spaces.
- Have a protein-rich diet.
- Avoid smoking & restrict alcohol consumption.
Summary: Small efforts can make a big difference, helping you have most of the monsoon without getting sick. In addition, if you still have symptoms, get tested.
- Leptospirosis: With rain comes bacterial infections, like Leptospirosis. It spreads via contaminated water. This lesser-known disease can have flu-like symptoms and occurs due to direct contact with animal pee or contaminated water, eating or drinking contaminated food, and more reasons.
To Prevent Leptospirosis:
- Do not touch water or soil that may be contaminated with animal urine.
- Avoid wading or swimming in floodwaters.
- Wear protective footwear, especially in waterlogged areas.
- Maintain cleanliness & hygiene, mainly to prevent infections through open wounds.
Summary: It hits fast and needs to be tackled at the earliest to make the condition manageable and avoid possible complications.
- Viral Fever: The change in the weather is the first to blame for a sudden rise in the cases of viral fever or influenzas. It causes common cold, stomach problems, flu & cough & can be tackled well with antivirals.
To Prevent Viral Fever:
- Avoid close contact with individuals with cold & cough.
- Eat a balanced diet to maintain immunity.
- Get indulged in regular exercises to be physically active.
- Follow good hygiene practices.
Summary: While common throughout the year, viral fever becomes more prominent during the rainy season. So, why take the risk? Take the test & rest for better care & management.
- Fungal Infections: The humidity and moisture of monsoon breed the perfect environment for fungal infections to grow. From athlete’s foot to ringworm, rain brings skin-related woes. Keep your skin healthy to keep skin woes active in rainy seasons away.
To Prevent Fungal Infection:
- Keep skin clean & dry.
- Wear loose & breathable clothing.
- Practice good hygiene.
- Avoid sharing personal hygiene products.
- Follow a healthy lifestyle.
Summary: Don’t let fungal foes affect your monsoon mood. Take preventive measures & get yourself tested in time to prevent the worse.
Also read: If you want to know more about common illnesses during monsoon & their diagnosis, also give a read to:
Conclusion:
With monsoons, we indeed bid adieu to sweltering heat, health risks, and diseases increase. It is crucial to stay vigilant and take simple precautions that can help your health significantly and let you enjoy the rainy season with good health. With these simple preventive measures, you can shield yourself from these sneaky ailments.
Stay Healthy This Monsoon With Redcliffe Labs’ Monsoon Special Package:
Monsoon brings rain and several health ailments. And getting tested in time is the first & foremost step that can keep you safe, protect your health and help you enjoy the freshness and fun season offers. So, whether you have symptoms or want to stay ahead of potential health risks, book Monsoon Special Package with Redcliffe Labs for just Rs 1899.
So, put on your raincoats, grab your umbrellas, and embark on this monsoon adventure armed with the knowledge to safeguard your monsoon mood and wellness.