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 over
looked.
. 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.
With Thanks To:
http://shippingposition.com.ng/article/common-illness-during-rainy-season-and-how-handle-them
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