Monsoon Maladies - Most Common Diseases

Jun 27 , 2014 | 1 min read

With Monsoon approaching fast, viral fever, jaundice, diarrhea, gastro-intestinal infections such as typhoid and cholera are major causes of concern. Water and food contamination during rains is the ultimate culprit.Since the chemical composition of water changes during monsoon, many health complications can be averted by drinking boiled water. Maintaining hygiene in food and water is most important preventive strategy. Basic prevention Measures:Drink and use safe water: Bottled water with unbroken seals and canned/bottled carbonated beverages are safe to drink and use.

Clean food preparation areas and kitchenware with soap and safe water and let dry completely before reuse.Piped water sources, drinks sold in cups or bags may not be safe and should be boiled or treated with chlorine.

Wash your hands often with soap and water before you eat or prepare food, feeding your children, after using the toilets. Cook food well (esp seafood), keep it covered, eat it hot, and peel fruits and vegetables, be sure to cook shellfish (like crabs and crayfish) until they are very hot all the way through, avoid raw foods other than fruits and vegetables you have peeled yourself.

Getting vaccinated If you are traveling to a country where typhoid is common, you should consider being vaccinated against symptoms of typhoid. Consult a doctor to discuss your vaccination options. Remember that you will need to complete your vaccination at least 1-2 weeks(dependent upon vaccine type) before you travel so that the vaccine has time to take effect.

Typhoid vaccines lose effectiveness after several years if you were vaccinated in the past, check with your doctor to see if it is time for a booster vaccination. Taking antibiotics will not prevent typhoid fever they only help treat it.

If you have a high fever and feel very ill, see a doctor immediately.