JOIN USRain brings with it diseases, doctors advise caution
The arrival of the monsoon has made the city vulnerable to many diseases, especially in the wake of garbage piling up, choked drains and water stagnation.
Experts say that some infectious diseases can easily be treated while a few are life threatening.
Waterlogging during rains brings with it diseases like malaria, dengue and chikungunya. Doctors consider these diseases potentially lethal and advise precautions to prevent them.
According to doctors, the best way to prevent them is to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes.
“Make sure water does not stagnate in your premises. Try to fix a mesh on windows and doors. Mosquito repellents are also useful,” said Dr Sudha Menon, director of Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital.
“When you have severe body pain or joint pains with high temperature, it could be either dengue or chikungunya,” said Dr Sudha.
She said it is advisable to consult a doctor if the fever does not subside even after three days.
Common cold, viral fever and flu are diseases that affect the human body every monsoon. Experts say that these diseases are bound to occur and are unavoidable to a certain extent.
“Flu, cold etc are not lethal. People should avoid spreading it by using a handkerchief while coughing and sneezing and inhaling steam at home to reduce headaches,’ said Dr Venkatesh T, project coordinator for non-communicable diseases, BBMP.
Experts say that these diseases occur due to the sudden change of weather, as the temperature drop allows the virus to breed. Senior citizens above the age of 60 and children below the age of 10 are more prone to such diseases as they have low immunity.
“For minor cold and flu, you have home remedies, but if the fever is not subsiding, or if there is breathing discomfort, or severe pain, then they should seek medical advice,” said Dr Sachin Kumar, senior consultant pulmonologist, Sakra World Hospital.
According to doctors, people suffering from, diabetes, cancer and TB should take adequate care by avoiding even common flu and cold, as it may aggravate their medical condition. Doctors also attribute jaundice and diarrhoea to monsoon diseases. They are advised to have hot cooked food and avoid fruit juices and chaat from the road side.