Article By: Dr. Athira.P.A., Jeevani Homoeocare, Valasaravakkam.

As we are experiencing a unique monsoon pattern which brings both the joy of rainfall and health challenges, it is crucial to know about health issues which are prevalent in this season to take preventive measures.
Heavy rainfall causes water logging, increased humidity. Lack of personal hygiene and lack of hygiene in surrounding areas causes water to become more contaminated and leads to water borne diseases and vector borne diseases.
Water borne diseases:
Cholera: Caused by Vibrio cholerae bacterium and it spreads through contaminated water or food. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea (loose motion) and dehydration and tiredness.
Gateroenteritis: Viruses, bacteria or parasites in contaminated water can lead to gastroenteritis causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, abdomen cramps and diarrhoea.
Hepatitis A: This viral infection affects the liver and it is often transmitted through the transition of contaminated water or food. Symptoms may include Jaundice, fatigue and abdominal pain.
Vector borne diseases:
Dengue fever: A mosquito borne viral infection, dengue is prevalent in the rainy season with the symptoms of high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes and joint and muscle pain.
Malaria: Another mosquito borne disease caused by plasmodium parasites. Symptoms include fever, chills, intermittent fever etc.
Leptospirisis or plague: It affects through contact with water or soil contaminated with urine of infected animals especially rat. Leptospirosis causes fever, muscle pain and in severe cases multi organ failure.
Respiratory illness:
Influenza fever or H1N1 which is a prevalent viral disease which causes respiratory illness. H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu, is primarily a respiratory virus and is not transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes. Instead, it spreads through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The primary mode of transmission is human-to-human. So close contact with infected people as well as staying in crowded places and lack of hygiene in the rainy season increases the rate of this condition. Fever,cold, sneezing, sore throat, Body pain are some common symptoms of influenza.
Preventive Measures:
Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing and maintaining personal cleanliness can significantly reduce the risk of various infections. Environmental Management: Clearing stagnant water, using mosquito nets, and employing insect repellents contribute to a healthier living environment.