After months and months of scorching heat, the monsoon showers are quite the respite. But the cold, breezy, unpredictable season is also associated with excessive humidity and exposure to multiple infections. The humid climate monsoons bring with invite multiplication bacteria and pathogens. People become more susceptible to water-borne diseases during the monsoons, majorly due to stagnant rainwater.
While treating these infections is essentials, one must also remember to use the right kind of medication for it. People tend to over-do antibiotics, without consulting a doctor to avoid these infections. However, misuse of antibiotics leads leaves the user more vulnerable to other diseases as it kills the helpful bacteria in the body and also contributes to the rise in antibiotic resistance in the overall population. It is important to recognize common water-borne diseases which can afflict people during monsoons, to understand how they should be treated.
That being said, if you’re looking for some helpful preventive tips against some water-borne diseases, read on.
GASTROENTERITIS:
Gastroenteritis is very common during the monsoons. The initial symptoms for this are stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
Preventive tip: It is very important that you keep yourself hydrated at all times. Avoid excessive spices, raw food and especially roadside food.
TYPHOID:
Typhoid is waterborne infection prevalent in the monsoons It is caused by a bacteria known as Salmonella. It is usually caused by contaminated food or water. Symptoms include prolonged high fever, abdomen pain, vomiting, headache, etc. In some cases, the infection can remain in the gall bladder of the patient even after he/she is cured.
Preventive tip: To keep typhoid at bay, drink clean, boiled water. Practice regular sanitization by washing hands at regular intervals and before and after meals.
CHOLERA:
Cholera is the most common and the most deadly disease during the monsoons. It caused by poor hygienic conditions, contaminated food, and water. Its symptoms include severe diarrhea, vomiting which causes immediate water loss and muscle cramps. Severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance within a few hours. Cholera demands immediate attention because it can cause death within hours.
Preventive tips: It can be prevented by consuming clean water, maintaining good hygienic conditions and washing hands at regular intervals. One must also avoid contact with infected persons.
JAUNDICE: Jaundice can be easily identified by the yellowish tinge to the skin and on the white part of the eye. It is mainly caused due to the consumption of infected water. In jaundice, bilirubin increases in the blood because of which even the body fluids may appear yellow. It is also accompanied with fever and body ache.
Preventive tip: It's not possible to prevent all cases of jaundice. However, there are a few main precautions that can minimise the risk of developing jaundice. Maintain healthy habits, vaccinate against hepatitis A or B infection and avoid eating or drinking from contaminated places.
