Stay away from infections in monsoons

Monsoon is a time when you get relief from the blazing heat of the sun and you can have the pleasure of getting wet in the rain. The rainy season is also the perfect breeding ground for germs and bacteria leading to water borne diseases that affects the health of an individuals. Though we like the pleasant weather during the monsoons, the bacteria, virus and fungi have its negative effects.

Health issues such as cold, flu, malaria, gastroenteritis, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, ringworm, wound infections, leptospirosis and hepatitis A are on a rise for people who indulge in a lot of junk food, getting wet in the rain just for fun and wear the wrong footwear. Some simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your family healthy during the rainy season.

Diseases related to monsoon are of various types:

Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a common communicable disease and spreads mostly during the rainy season which creates an infection and inflammation of conjunctiva with redness and swelling of protective membrane of the eye. This can be caused due to any kind of viral or bacterial infection. So stay away from a person who has conjunctivitis. Wash eyes frequently with worm water, and consult the doctor immediately. If you have someone in your house suffering from it, make sure you wash your hands regularly and don't use anything that the infected person is using.

Diarrhea
During the monsoon, contaminated water is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. This results in illness; from the ingestion of viruses and parasites in rain water contaminated by human or agricultural fecal waste. The Cryptosporidium and Giardia lamblia are the common diarrhea-causing parasites and Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Norovirus and Escherichia coli are common diarrhea causing bugs.

This is the time to take extra care about what you eat and drink during. Be aware that drinking water can easily become contaminated during flood conditions. If your surrounding area is been hit by unfortunate flooding, then drink only bottled or boiled water and wash yourself thoroughly after coming into contact with flood water.

Ringworm
Ringworm or tinea is a contagious fungal infection of the skin and a common occurrence during the rainy season. It is spread by direct contact with an infected person or animal, contact with soil or by indirect contact with items contaminated by the fungus like Microsporum, Trichophyton or Epidermophyton. The most common affected area is the feet, but any area of the skin including the scalp and nails can be affected as well. Keep your skin cool and dry and wash your hands regularly.

Wound infections
Open wounds and rashes exposed to flood waters can become infected. To protect yourself, Avoid exposure to flood/rain waters if you have an open wound. Cover open wounds with a waterproof bandage. Keep open wounds as clean as possible by washing well with soap and clean water. If a wound develops redness, swelling, or drainage, seek immediate medical attention.

Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that are caused by pathogenic spirochetes of the genus Leptospira during the Monsoon season. It is considered the most common zoonosis in the world and is associated with rodents in settings of poor sanitation, agricultural occupations, mud and dirty water exposure. The symptom may include high fever and chills with severe headaches and body ache, followed by nausea. To prevent this as much as possible, try to avoid stepping into rain water and contaminated dirty water. Take a bath as soon as you reach home.

Hepatitis A
This viral disease spreads through contaminated food and water with human waste and urine of those who are already sick of Hepatitis A. The symptoms include an increase in body temperature, body ache, loss of appetite, joint pains and nausea. A yellowish tinge in the eyes, skin and nails is also seen. One of the best ways to avoid Hepatitis A is to stick to eating homemade food and water. Wash your hands after using the toilet, before preparing food, and before eating, dispose human waste properly and not in rain water.

Precautions to be taken

• Wash your hands frequently especially before eating or drinking.
• Avoid eating roadside food and opt for healthy homemade foods.
• Clean your salads and leafy vegetables under running water, steaming them is the best way to get rid of germs. Soaking the greens in salt water for about 10 minutes can help remove germ.
• Keep your surroundings clean and dry and do not let water stagnate in or around the house
• Wash your hands before handling food, after eating food and after visiting the toilet.
• Wear open footwear like slippers or strapped sandals, avoid using shoes and socks during this rainy season.
• Don’t wear wet or damp clothes especially undergarments
• Avoid using towels and kerchiefs of people suffering from conjunctivitis, cough, and cold
• Wash your feet with disinfectant if you have walked through rainwater.

By Dr Pabba Shivakrishna Guptha