Seasonal ailments :The drainy season

Rainy season comes with a lot of fun and excitement. Along with it come a host of infections too. The most common illness is related to respiratory system. A look at other diseases that affect you now and how to prevent it

Common illness caused during rainy season

• Dengue, malaria
• Cold
• Food infection
• Water infection
• Cholera
• Diarrhoea due to water contamination

Precautions to be taken

• A raincoat with hooded jacket and waterproof shoes are the best items.
• Increasing the intake of Vitamin C either in natural form or as food supplement will help you drive away the cold virus faster.
• Taking a shower after getting drenched in rain will protect you from many infections.
• After you come back home wet, the best thing is to make a hot soup for yourself or at least drink a cup of hot milk. This will save you from catching cold or any other kind of infection that can occur due to sudden change in the temperature of the body.
• Cleanliness is very important during rainy season. Even if you catch a cold, you should clean your hands regularly and use a sanitizer.
• It is good to drink plenty of water and do not wait to get thirsty to drink water. This will help you drain toxins from your body.

Malaria The most common disease in this season, the disease spreads through female anopheles mosquito. Since, there is a problem of water logging during the rainy season, mosquitoes get conducive conditions to breed. This is the most dangerous disease in India with highest number of deaths credited to it. Fever at regular intervals, bouts of shivering, muscle pain and weakness are the symptoms that a patient shows while suffering from Malaria. Prevention Use mosquito repellents and nets. Ensure no water stagnates in your area as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. Use DDT in the drains near your home. Do not ignore any symptoms of malaria. Consult your doctor immediately.

Typhoid This disease is caused by contaminated food and water. The worst part is that the infection of this disease can remain in the gall bladder of the patient even after he is cured. This could prove fatal to the patient. The most common symptom of this disease is prolonged fever. Severe pain in abdomen and headache are other indications. Prevention This is a highly communicable disease so the patient should be isolated from the rest of the family. Getting a vaccination in advance also helps. The patients should get high intake of fluid to prevent dehydration. The may relapse in two weeks, so the patient should take utmost care. Precautions should continue even after apparent recovery.

Common cold This is the most common disease that catches people cutting across age lines. You get wet and you've got it. Though it is difficult to forgo the temptation of dancing in the rain, this joy is likely to get you common cold. Constant sneezing, sore throat and fever are the common symptoms of this disease. Prevention The easiest way is to avoid getting yourself drenched in rain. Keep the air-conditioner at a normal temperature and avoid ice creams. If you catch common cold then the best home made remedy is a glass of hot, turmeric milk. Gargles with warm water give relief to your sore throat. If things don't improve, see a doctor.

Hepatitis A The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. The disease is closely associated with a lack of safe water, inadequate sanitation and poor personal hygiene. The symptoms of this disease are similar to flu i.e. high fever together with headache, pain in joints, nausea and vomiting. Liver function tests and antibodies to hepatitis A will confirm the diagnosis. Prevention The most important prevention of this disease is vaccination. This vaccine is available at all the government and private hospitals and should be taken by one and all as it is very deadly disease. The patient should be kept on complete bed rest and should be given a high calories diet, but fat and oily food should be avoided.

Cholera Contaminated food and water cause cholera. Poor hygienic conditions help this disease to spread. It normally spreads in places with poor sanitation facilities. Severe diarrhea with watery stools is the most common symptom of cholera. There could also be vomiting with immediate water loss and muscle cramps. Prevention It is always wise to get vaccinated as it lasts secures you for almost six months. Consume clean and boiled drinking water. Maintain personal hygiene and good sanitation. In case one catches cholera, oral rehydration is the immediate treatment.