First showers of rain are heartily welcomed by everyone after experiencing the scorching heat of the sun. But rains reduce the immunity of our body and make us susceptible to many diseases which are commonly associated with this season. Rainy season invites lots of health disorders. Dealing with such illnesses requires extra-careful precautions as most common illness is related to respiratory system and water and food borne diseases that cannot be overlooked. . It’s already causing its ‘discomfort’ as more people now complain of malaria, influenza, coughing, etc. Since rains are seasonal, it’s unlikely that you weren’t expecting it, so how prepared are you. Chances are that you may need to see your doctor more often at this time than other times.
Cold and flu are common illness that is found in rainy season and this is usually due to fluctuation in the temperature. If you are a student, a working citizen or a mom, you need to protect yourself from these illnesses and prevent from getting sick.
When rain starts pouring in, you first look for a shelter and try to save yourself from getting drenched. However, a shelter can save you from getting wet in rain, but it will not protect you from catching any kind of infection. This is especially when your immune system is very low.
Common Illness Caused During Rainy Season
• Cold
• Flu
• Food infection
• Water infection
• Cholera
• Dengue
The water-borne (and food-borne) diseases that are widespread during the wet season are transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food or water. They include diarrheal diseases that are caused by several species of the salmonella and shigella bacteria, cholera, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever.
Cholera is caused by several serotypes of the Vibrio cholerae bacteria. Typically, it presents as sudden and profuse diarrhea that can rapidly dehydrate the patient. If untreated, a patient with cholera can die in a matter of hours.
Hepatitis A is an acute infection of the liver that is caused by the hepatitis A virus. Its signs and symptoms include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, body malaise, abdominal pain, fatigue, and other “flu-like symptoms” including fever. Sometimes, the skin and the white of the eye become yellow, a condition called jaundice.
One particular type of salmonella, Salmonella typhi causes the dreadful typhoid fever, a disease that is characterized by high-grade fever, headache, abdominal pain, and diarrhea or constipation. A significant percentage of patients who contract this disease develop serious complications that include pneumonia, meningitis and infection of the liver and gall bladder, bones, heart valves and kidneys.
Influenza or flu is caused by any of the three types (A, B and C) of influenza virus. The flu virus is transmitted by droplets and enters the body through the nose or mouth. It can likewise pass from the hand to the nose or mouth by touching contaminated objects.
Flu is characterized by cold-like symptoms plus body and head aches. It is a benign and self-limiting illness in most instances, but a small percentage of patients develop life-threatening complications like pneumonia.
Leptospirosis is caused by a microorganism that is carried by many domestic and wild animals. Humans usually acquire leptospirosis when they get in contact with water or soil that has been contaminated with the urine of infected animals. Leptospirosis symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle aches especially of the calf, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, red eyes, and chills. In its severe form, leptospirosis causes kidney damage, liver and respiratory failure, and meningitis.
Dengue, which by all indications will have a very high incidence rate this year, is a viral disease that is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes mosquito, which breeds in stagnant water. It is characterized by fever and body aches. It is often self-limiting and mild, but sometimes it complicates and leads to fatal bleeding.
General Tips:
• Employ rain gear such as umbrellas and raincoats to avoid exposure to rain and cold weather.
• Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated areas.
• Avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and who have fever and cough.
• Drink only safe water—boil water if its safety is in doubt.
• If you need to eat out, patronize clean and reputable restaurants only. Refrain from eating food bought from peddlers.
• Drain stagnant water from open containers such as drums and old tires, which are the breeding places of mosquitoes. Ensure that drains and gutters and sewage lines are not clogged.
• Do not wade or swim in floodwaters.
• At all times, observe good personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. This include thorough washing of hands with soap and water especially before eating or touching the eyes and nose with the hands
Keep Rain Gear With you Always – The most effective thing that you can do is to keep your rain gear always ready when you go out in rainy season. A raincoat with hooded jacket and waterproof shoes are the best items.
Vitamin C – Increasing the intake of Vitamin C either in natural form or as food supplement will help you drive away the cold virus faster. It is still a matter of debate among doctors whether Vitamin C is cure for cold. However, a healthy supply of this vitamin will activate your antibodies and reduce the severity of cold, undoubtedly.
Shower After Being Caught in Rain – Although it sounds very unusual because if you are drenched in rain, you will never want to take another shower. But taking a shower after you have been caught in rain will protect you from many infections.
Hot Drinks – After you come back home caught in a rain, take a shower, dry yourself and wear dry and clean clothes. The best thing is to make a hot soup for yourself or at least drink a cup of hot milk. This will help you from catching cold or save you from catching any kind of infection that can occur due to sudden change in the temperature of the body.
Cleanliness – Cleanliness is very important during rainy season. Even if you catch a cold, you should clean your hands regularly and use a sanitizer always after that.
Drink Plenty of Water – Water intake may reduce naturally because of the sudden drop in the temperature of the environment. 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.
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