STAY SAFE IN THE RAINS

Stay safe in the rains

                                                                                                                                                 Dr. VIVEK SHARMA

The rain may bring down the heat but a host of diseases follows in its wake. But simple measures can ensure your health.  The monsoon brings with it not just cooler temperature but also a host of illnesses. In fact with the onset of the monsoon, there is a steady rise in incidence of water contamination and various infectious diseases. The level of illness always peaks during monsoon and skin irritation, conjunctivitis, diarrhoea and dysentery, typhoid, polio, jaundice, malaria and even dengue fever are common

Hepatitis A and E are caused by strains of the hepatitis virus and affect your liver. The disease is spread through contaminated food and water. If left untreated, it could lead to jaundice. Typhoid is a bacterial illness. There are many symptoms that signal the onset of typhoid: fever, headache, constipation, mild joint pains, sore throat and abdominal pain. Diarrhoea and Dysentery are viral and bacterial infections that affect your intestines. They is caused by contaminated food and water. An attack of diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, vomiting, weakness and muscle cramps. Jaundice is a water-borne disease. If you feel weakness, have constant headaches, no appetite and nausea, check for jaundice. Another visible sign is yellowing of the eyes, nails and skin. Malaria and dengue are caused by mosquitoes. Malaria is caused by female anopheles mosquito and dengue is caused by aedes (tiger mosquito). The rain water and puddles help mosquitoes to breed.  Most rain diseases are spread through contaminated food and water and mosquitoes. Since the symptoms are common like fever and headache, most people make do with self medication. Contact the doctor at the first sign of trouble to ensure that it is nothing serious.

*Avoid food and water from outside.*Do not eat stale food.*Avoid street food during monsoons.*Drink only boiled water at home.* Filter the water first and then boil. The reason is because your filter may not be sterilised and boiled water may get contaminated.*Refrigerate left over food immediately. *Avoid eating raw foods.*When eating salads and green leafy vegetables, wash them thoroughly. *Do not eat straight out of the refrigerator. Always reheat first.*Be fully vaccinated against communicable diseases. *Maintain hygiene and cleanliness in the house and surrounding areas.

                                                        Prof. John Kurakar