Tips For Healthy Monsoon

We are living currently in the year of Covid 19 pandemic and staying in for months now, hot weather and early rains are actually forcing us to have good time welcoming the monsoon. While rain after a hot and humid day can be a desirable thing; the fact cannot be denied that rain could bring in some rainy season diseases. The hot, humid and wet weather makes it favourable for the micro-organisms to reproduce and multiply. This also results in many respiratory tract diseases and skin infections too.

Monsoon also brings with it some of the common mosquito borne, air-borne and water-borne diseases that include Malaria, Dengue fever, Chikungunya, Typhoid, Cholera, Hepatitis A and Common Cold.

Today we discuss about common infections occurring in monsoon and steps to prevent it.

Mosquito borne:

• Dengue
• Malaria
• Chikungunya

All the above-mentioned illnesses are noted to have high fever, chills, fatigue, severe body ache and rashes.

Any of the above symptoms warrant visit to your paediatrician.

Ways to prevent and protect children from mosquito borne diseases.

• Use mosquito nets in your house
• Don’t allow water to stagnate or collect anywhere in and around the house
• Maintain hygiene and wash your bathrooms regularly.
• Use mosquito repellents/creams or wear full sleeves before stepping out of the house.

Water borne:

• Typhoid
• Gastroenteritis / Diarrhea / Dysentry
• Cholera
• Hepatitis A
• Leptospirosis

Most of the above infections are caused by consumption of contaminated food and water and characterised by loose stools, vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever, poor appetite and sometimes severe infections are manifested by bloody diarrhoea, dehydration and shock. Although mild infections can be managed by supportive treatment and dietary modifications, most severe ones will warrant evaluation by your child’s paediatrician.

Ways to prevent and protect children from water borne diseases:

• Always boil water and wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption
• Keep your foods covered at all times and avoid consumption of outside food
• Ensure personal and environmental hygiene is maintained at all times (carry a hand sanitizer or wash your hands often)
• Ensure open drains and potholes in your locality are covered
• Get your children vaccinated if they are not already

Air borne infections:

• Common cold / Flu
• Influenza

These common infections generally spread from person to person usually by droplet spread. These illnesses are usually manifested by low grade fever, cold, cough and body aches. It usually settles over 7-10 days by routine home care but in people with low immunity like children less than 2 years and senior citizens, immunocompromised individuals it can get severe.

Ways to prevent and protect children from air borne diseases.

• Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing
• Drink warm water every few hours and carry your own boiled drinking water
• Keep your children away from people who are already infected and ensure they wash their hands and feet thoroughly once home from outdoors
• Ensure your homes are well- ventilated at all times.

Play safe this monsoon, eat a healthy diet, keep children well hydrated and keep them away from mosquito bites. However, if children or in fact any family member suffer from any illness, do not take it lightly. Many symptoms can be misleading and need medical attention.

In case you have any queries, please feel free to comment or send a message on FB messenger.