Monsoons offer the much-needed respite and relief from the scorching summer heat. It is a time for piping hot chai, pakodas, and long drives. But while this season brings joy, it also has several challenges like traffic delays, waterlogged streets, and seasonal health conditions. Cold and flu linked to gastrointestinal and vector-borne diseases typically rise during the rainy season.[i],[ii],[iii] Keeping an eye on your health during this time is important.
Dr. Vivekanand Kustagi, Senior Consultant Pediatrician, Sanjivini Children's Clinic, Bangalore said, “During the monsoon season, we typically see a 100-150% rise in people with various symptoms or health concerns like fever, a sore throat, abdominal cramps, or other complaints. Understanding these conditions that are common during this time, taking preventive measures, and diagnosing diseases early on are important steps to proactively safeguard your well-being.”
Dr Jejoe Karankumar, Medical Affairs Director, Abbott India added, “Rainy season is a time for rise in certain health conditions, which makes it necessary to help people stay informed about the risks, precautions, and how to manage health better. Timely diagnosis and following the treatment plan advised by the doctor will help in building immunity and staying healthy while enjoying the monsoon.”
Here are 5 common health concerns to look out for this season:
Cold and the flu: Sudden temperature changes and increased humidity can weaken the immune system, making it easier for viral infections to spread.[iv] Tropical countries like India experience a high frequency of flu (or influenza) cases during this time.[v] Common symptoms include cough or sore throat, fever, joint or muscle pain, headache, nausea, and diarrhoea. While symptoms may overlap, the flu has more serious effects than a common cold, which is why people should recognize them early on.
Fungal infections: Fungal infections are more likely to grow in humid, damp conditions.[vi] This can lead to infections like athlete’s foot, ringworm, and yeast infections.[vii] Common symptoms include itching, redness, and swelling.
Gut issues: Contaminated water and outside food may lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhoea,[viii] gastroenteritis, and food poisoning resulting in symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, nausea, and more.
Malaria and dengue: Stagnant water during the monsoon creates a breeding ground for vector-borne diseases. In fact, India alone accounts for 11% of global malaria and 34% of global dengue cases.[ix] Key symptoms to look out for include fever, chills and sweating for malaria. You may experience high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, and rashes in dengue.
To weather-proof your health and enjoy the monsoon, here are 4 tips to keep seasonal conditions at bay:
Maintain proper hygiene: Keep your surroundings clean – disinfect your home, eliminate stagnant water, ensure proper drainage, and use mosquito repellents. Regularly wash your hands with soap, particularly before meals, keep your skin dry, wear breathable clothes, and make sure your nails are short and clean.
Seek a balanced diet: Adequate nutrition is important for good health and immunity. While it may be tempting, avoid street food to lower your risk of infections, and opt for freshly cooked meals instead. Staying hydrated – preferably with boiled or filtered water is also important. Consuming the right types of nutrients, like vitamin C, which is essential to boost immunity and offer protection against infections is key.[x],[xi] Rich sources of vitamin C include oranges, lemons, cauliflower, peppers, broccoli, and more.[xii] Sometimes your doctor may also prescribe an add-on Vitamin C supplement for faster recovery from infections.
Stay active: While the rain may affect your routine, stay consistent and try yoga or working out indoors instead. This way, you can keep your body fit, strengthen your muscles and bones, and get a better quality of sleep, which is vital for your immune system.
Take preventive health steps: For conditions like influenza, immunization is an effective way to protect yourself and the community from infection. Taking a flu shot before the season can help protect against such illnesses and related complications. You can consult a doctor to understand more about immunization and how it can help manage flu better.
Stay informed and prepared so you can stay healthy while making the most of the monsoon season.
