Is Covid overshadowing awareness of potentially fatal monsoon diseases?

In India, there have been 14,830 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours. It's July 2022, and yes, we're still obsessed with tracking the number of COVID cases that have begun since March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic presented a complex set of challenges, with mental health consequences for everyone, including children and adolescents. With the virus's uncontrollable spread, grief, fear, and social isolation have taken a heavy toll on everyone's lives.

But now is the time to focus on the other life-threatening viruses and diseases brought by the monsoon season and take the necessary precautions to keep ourselves safe. Though we are not asking you to ignore the significance of COVID completely given its serious consequences, we are attempting to draw your attention to the severe consequences of various monsoon diseases. While rain is often welcome on a hot and humid day, it also brings with it a slew of viruses and diseases that can be dangerous to you and your family's health. 

Many monsoon diseases go undiagnosed until they have a serious impact on one's health. Early detection and a few basic preventive and hygiene practices will keep you safe during India's monsoon season.

Let’s take a look at some of the most frequent monsoon diseases, as well as some prevention and management tips: 

Malaria

Malaria is spread by mosquitoes called Anopheles (which are the definitive hosts of Plasmodium parasites, the causative agents of malaria). This disease occurs mostly because of waterlogging as the mosquito breeds in waterways and streams, causing a severe fever (up to 105 degrees Celsius) that can linger for several days.

Dengue

Dengue fever is spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water (such as in buckets, drums, flower pots, wells, and tree holes). Dengue fever takes four to seven days to develop after being bitten. 

Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a non-fatal viral disease spread by mosquitoes (Aedes albopictus) hatched in stagnant water. These mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and can bite you not just at night but also during the day. They can be found in overhead tanks, plants, utensils, and water pipes. 

Typhoid Fever

Typhoid is a water-borne disease caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria that is spread due to inadequate sanitation. Typhoid is spread by eating spoiled or exposed food and drinking polluted water. Typhoid fever is a very contagious monsoon sickness. Contaminated food and water are the most common causes of this disease.

Cholera

Cholera is caused by a lack of sanitation and hygiene, as well as the intake of contaminated food and water, and is accompanied by diarrhea and loss of motion. Cholera can be life-threatening if not treated on time.

Leptospirosis 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted from animals to humans. Many animals (particularly dogs, rats, and farm animals) carry the organism, which ends up in soil and water through their urine. When going through waterlogged terrain, the disease is mainly spread through open wounds. 

Stomach Flu 

Stomach flu, also known in medical terms as viral gastroenteritis, is a contagious illness that affects the stomach and intestines. During the monsoon season, stomach diseases caused by the intake of unsanitary food and beverage products are common.

Though the monsoon brings relief from the heat, it is critical to be aware of and protect oneself from common monsoon infections. If you or a family member exhibits any of the above symptoms of monsoon diseases, seek medical attention immediately and avoid self-diagnosis or over-the-counter medications. 

Take a look at what our doctors have to say:

Precautions for Children During Monsoon Season

Health Talk on "Common Viral Infections in Monsoon" 

Monsoon Illnesses in Children

Planning for Surgery?

Given the potentially life-changing consequences of surgery and treatment, it is always critical to seek a Second Opinion. Getting a Second Opinion not only gives you additional information about your condition but also helps you make the best decision for your health.  

Get a free expert second opinion from Yashoda Hospitals and make the best decision possible before undergoing surgery.

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