5 Most Common Monsoon Infections and how to prevent them
“Prevention is better than cure”
– By Shabana Choudhary
As per studies, the risk of catching bacterial and viral infections is two times more during the monsoon season as compared to any other season. The high moisture content in the air makes it easy for harmful microorganisms to thrive, resulting in various types of infections.
Here is a list of the 5 most common monsoon infections and how to prevent them:
1. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and chikungunya are very common during this season. Heavy rains lead to stagnant water accumulation, which serves as the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, leading to diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
Prevention: it is best to not let rainwater get collected anywhere in your surroundings. Using mosquito repellents, wearing full sleeves clothes are also easy ways to save yourself from the mosquito bite.
2. Diarrhea & Stomach infection: Monsoon season is perfect for the microbes to grow in food items, if not stored properly. If one consumes such contaminated food, it can lead to diarrhea and stomach infection.
Prevention: The best way to prevent this is by opting for home-cooked food over outside food and checking thoroughly for any fungus or bugs in food. Washing vegetables and fruits with hot water before cooking is also advised.
3. Cold & Flu: One of the most common viral illnesses during this season is cold and flu. No matter how much we protect ourselves, we all fall sick at least once or even more during this season.
Prevention: Cold and flu due to the high amount of pathogens in the air at this time are common. Do not come in direct contact with people who have cold and flu. If a family member has it, use separate towels, utensils and wash your hands frequently.
4. Cholera: A waterborne infection that affects the small intestines, often caused by contaminated water/food and poor sanitation. In India, most cholera cases occur due to contaminated water.
Prevention: Stay hydrated and eat clean to keep yourself safe.
5. Typhoid: Another waterborne disease common during the monsoon season due to improper sanitization. The disease can cause fever, turn the skin yellow and affect the liver.
Prevention: Make sure you drink clean water to keep typhoid at bay. Do not have any open water-based drinks from outside and try to carry your water bottle wherever you go.
