Drastic temperature changes during monsoon make theAs the monsoon winds make their way into the Indian subcontinent landmass, the discussions on ‘heavy rains’, ‘disruptions’ and ‘diseases’ make their way into the social circles and in newspapers. In India, the monsoon begins in June and continues till September at the latest. As soon as the rains begin, the numbers of individuals, partic larly children, getting diseases increase.
Unfortunately, the onset of monsoons is marked by bacterial and viral infections. And, as usual, it’s the children and the elderly and those with immunity disorders, auto-immune diseases or other underlying health conditions and comorbidities who are at an increased risk of falling sick.
The good news is, small precautionary measures and timely intervention can prevent one from one of these diseases. Maintaining hygiene, early diagnosis and few preventive steps can go a long way in staying safe and healthy during the monsoons.
It’s in the air
During monsoons, temperature fluctuations are very common. Such drastic temperature changes make the body prone to bacterial and viral infections. That’s why one of the
Air-borne infections result in cough, cold,most common conditions during monsoons is cold and flu. The best way to protect oneself during the rainy season is by strengthening one’s immunity and avoiding triggers and agents causing these diseases.
In the rains, air-borne infections transmitted by disease-causing viruses result in cold and flu,sore throat, common flu, viral fever, cough, etc. These conditions are not serious but for those at a disadvantage such as those with weakened immunity or senior citizens, these conditions may soon develop into something more serious.
The best way to prevent air-borne diseases during monsoons is by maintaining a high level of hygiene. Air-borne diseases are most easily transmitted from person-to-person. So, drinking warm water regularly, covering mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, ensuring proper ventilation in closed (indoor) spaces go a long way in preventing transmitting of these diseases.
The transmitting agents
Like most other diseases, diseases prevalent during the monsoon are also transmitted by water, mosquitoes, air and contaminated food. In fact, one’s risk of being exposed to viruses, bacteria and other agents of infection is two times higher during the monsoon than in any other season.
Basically, it’s the high content of moisture or humidity in the air that enables these microbial transmitting agents to flourish. As a result, they remain active longer and are responsible for transmitting diseases faster.
Mosquito-borne diseases are those that are transmitted through the various species of mosquitoes. A menace in all seasons, mosquitoes become more dangerous when they become carriers of diseases such as malaria, chikungunya, dengue, etc.
Monsoons are the breeding season for mosquitoes and, as a result, mosquito-borne diseases. Looking at global numbers, India contributes at least 34 per cent of all dengue cases around the world and 11 per cent of all malaria cases across the globe.
Mosquito menace
Malaria spreads a lot during monsoons. They say, malaria and monsoon go hand in hand. So, when it rains, in many areas owing to poor sanitation or construction, water gets clogged in pockets of land, puddles, recklessly-lying containers, empty plots of land, open drains, etc. This is where mosquitoes breed and spread malaria.
Malaria is caused by a single-celled parasite called Plasmodium that is carried by the mosquito Anopheles minimus – a host to this malaria-causing parasite. Malaria, if not treated properly or in time, can cause a lot of harm to the patient.
The first symptoms of malaria include fever, headache and chills – usually appear 10–15 days after the infective mosquito bite and may be mild and difficult to recognise as malaria. If not treated in time, P. falciparum malaria can progress to severe illness and death within a period of 24 hours.
Another mosquito, Aedes aegypti that also breeds in stagnant water causes the deadly disease, dengue – a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. The onset of dengue is marked by fever and fatigue and may later on develop more complications too.
Dengue should be suspected when a high fever (40 degree Celsius / 104 degree Fahrenheit) is accompanied by the following symptoms during the febrile phase (two to seven days) -severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pains,nausea, vomiting, swollen glands and rash.
Chikungunya is also transmitted by a mosquito, Aedes albopictus in this case. This mosquito also breeds in stagnant water and can bite during day and night both. Chikungunya patients may develop arthritic symptoms that include pain in the joints and bones and stiffness.
The best way to prevent falling sick with one of these diseases is by ensuring mosquitoes are kept away. Use of mosquito nets, repellents, etc. when leaving the house or while sleeping, not allowing water to stagnate inside or outside homes and maintaining a hygiene level go a long way.
Water woes
Water-borne diseases are highly prevalent in India during the monsoons and cause a lot of harm in patients especially in children. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than 3.4 million people are affected by water-borne diseases in India.
Some of the common water-borne diseases that spread during monsoons include typhoid, leptospirosis, jaundice, hepatitis, cholera, etc. Poor hygiene and improper eating habits are the major cause of the spread of these diseases.
Jaundice, for example, spreads through the consumption of contaminated food or water and also poor sanitation. It is a serious ailment that may lead to liver dysfunction. Some of the common symptoms include fatigue, yellowing of eyes and urine, vomiting, etc.
Similarly, viral infection Hepatitis A also spreads through contaminated food and water. This condition may lead to inflammation of the liver that, if left untreated, may damage the liver further and create life threatening situation for the patient. The symptoms include fever, fatigue, tenderness in the stomach, yellow eyes, dark-coloured urine and a sudden loss in appetite.
Common symptoms of serious diseases
Another very common infection during the rainy season is Typhoid which is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. It is also a water-borne disease that spreads because of poor sanitation. Some of the common symptoms of typhoid include headache, fever, joint pain and sore throat and spreads because of eating or drinking contaminated food or water. The symptoms are often mistaken for that of other common illnesses and general malaise.
Cholera, another water-borne disease, is also caused due to poor sanitation and consumption of contaminated food. Some of the common symptoms of cholera include diarrhoea or
loose motions and weakness.
Gastro-intestinal disorders and infections such as diarrhoea, vomiting and gastroenteritis are also very common during the monsoons. Again, these infections are primarily caused by ingestion of uncovered or contaminated food and water. That is why it is always advisable to drink boiled water and freshly-cooked food as that reduces the chances of infection.
It’s very common to get in contact with dirty water or mud during the monsoons. The moment one steps out, it’s almost impossible to avoid muck and that is the major cause of Leptospirosis, also known as Weil’s Syndrome. Again, this condition has common symptoms that include headache, fever, muscle pain and shivers. One must particularly be careful in stepping out during the monsoons if one has cuts or bruises as that increases the chances of contracting Leptospirosis.