MUMBAI: The monsoon season is a nice break from the hot summer weather, but it also makes it easier for seasonal ailments to spread. It’s important to pay additional attention to health and hygiene at this period, when common illnesses like the flu and more serious vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are more likely to spread.
Dr. Gaurav Gupta, a consultant internal medicine doctor at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle that it is very important to build our body’s defenses, especially for populations that are more likely to get sick, including kids and the elderly. He said, “Seasonal changes, especially heavy rains and changing temperatures, can make our body’s natural defenses weaker.” He stressed that vaccinations and other preventive measures are very important.
Important Steps to Avoid
Health professionals say that the following habits can lower the chance of infection:
Make cleanliness a top priority: Wash your hands with soap and water often, especially before eating and after using the bathroom. Wearing a mask in settings with a lot of people is another sensible method to avoid getting sick from viruses in the air.
Eat Safe and Fresh Food: Always choose meals that have just been made. In humid weather, street food, raw salads, seafood, and cut fruits are more likely to get contaminated. Before you eat, make sure to wash all of your fruits and veggies well.
Drink Safe Water: During the monsoon, it’s easy for water sources to go dirty. It is very important to drink boiling, filtered, or bottled water to avoid getting sick from waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid.
Boost Your Immune System Naturally: A strong immune system is the best way to protect yourself. Dr. Gupta says that you should get enough sleep and eat a balanced diet that includes a lot of citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and amla, which are full of Vitamin C, which helps your immune system.
Stop Mosquito Breeding: This is an important step in stopping diseases that spread by vectors. Check to see if there is any standing water in or near your home. Every so often, drain and clean the water from flower pots, coolers, and other containers.
How to Tell the Difference Between the Flu and Other Illnesses
A seasonal flu may cause a high fever, sore throat, and body aches, but other monsoon infections have their own symptoms that you should be aware of.
Flu: Common signs and symptoms are a high temperature, sore throat, bodily soreness, tiredness, headache, and a runny nose. Dr. Gupta said that other strains, such as Influenza A, Influenza B, and even coronavirus, have been linked to recent cases in Mumbai.
Dengue: This disease causes a high fever that usually lasts for 4 to 5 days, as well as severe headaches, muscular discomfort, and joint pain. A reduction in platelet count after the fever goes down is a big red flag.
Chikungunya: The main sign of chikungunya is a fever and significant joint discomfort, especially in the hands and elbows.
Malaria: Look for a fever, chills, and too much sweating. This cycle happens again and again at regular times.
If you have a fever that lasts longer than 3–4 days, you should undergo a Complete Blood Count (CBC) test to look for a decline in platelets and rule out dengue or other illnesses.
Children and the elderly should get a flu shot every year for extra protection. Families may greatly lower their risk and be safe and healthy throughout the rainy season by sticking to simple routines and being on the lookout.
This post is simply meant to give you information and should not be taken as medical advice. If you have any questions concerning a medical problem, always go to a doctor.