The past few months have been very difficult for all of us as the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic was severe and deadlier than before. However, we still need to be safe not only from Covid but also from other diseases like air-borne, water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases.
The monsoon season is an invitation to all these diseases and so, let us look what all diseases we need to be careful about…
Mosquito-borne diseases
Monsoon is just the right time for the mosquitoes to breed. India has a high burden of mosquito-borne disease with 34 per cent of the global dengue and 11 per cent of global malaria.
Malaria
One of the major concerns of the monsoon season is malaria which is caused by a single-celled parasite called Plasmodium.
Dengue
It is caused by the Aedes aegypti mosquito that breeds in stagnant water. The incubation period of dengue fever is four to seven days after being bitten. Fever and fatigue are their first signs.
Chikungunya
It is a none fatal viral disease and is caused by the Aedes albopictus mosquito. These mosquitos breed in stagnant water. They can not not only bite you during the night but also during the daytime.
Tips to stay safe from mosquito-borne diseases
- Use mosquito nets at home
- Do not keep stagnant water in or around your home
- Maintain proper hygiene and clean your house regularly
- You can also use mosquito repellents or creams before going out of the house or even while staying inside
Water-borne diseases
These diseases are common during the monsoon season. Kids are vulnerable to it as their immune system is weak. Some of these diseases are as follows.
Typhoid
It is a waterborne disease caused by S. Typhi bacteria and spreads due to poor sanitation. The two main causes of typhoid are eating uncovered or spoiled food or using contaminated water. Headache, joint pain, fever and sore throat are the symptoms of typhoid.
Cholera
This is also caused due to contaminated food and poor sanitation. It is accompanied by loose motions.
Jaundice
Poor sanitation, contaminated water and food are some of the causes of this disease. It causes liver dysfunction and its symptoms are weakness, fatigue, yellow urine, vomiting, and yellow eyes.
Hepatitis A
This viral infection spreads through contaminated food and water. It can damage and inflame your liver. Fatigue, fever, yellow eyes, stomach tenderness, dark coloured urine and sudden loss of appetite are some of the symptoms.
Tips to stay safe from water-borne diseases
- Wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption
- Keep the food covered
- Do not consume outside food
- Maintain personal and environmental hygiene
- Ensure there are no open drains and potholes in your locality
- Get your children vaccinated on time
Air-borne diseases
During summer, children and old people are most prone to getting airborne infections due to their weak immune system. The two most common types of airborne diseases are.
Cold and flu
The most common viral infections are cold and flu, which is caused due to sudden fluctuations in temperatures during the monsoon. They are easy to contract in case of a weak immune system, which leads to a runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, fever and chills.
Influenza
It is a communicable disease that spreads easily through the air. It is commonly known as flu. Tips to stay safe from airborne diseases
- Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing.
- Drink warm water every few hours and carry your own water bottle when you go out.
- Keep your kids away from people who are already infected.
- Ensure washing hands and feet thoroughly once you come back from home
- Make sure your home is well ventilated
Discussion about this post