Prevention is better than cure in the monsoon season

“Children and elderly should take special care as they are low in immunity”

New Delhi, June 30, 2018:

It is that time of the year again when monsoons hit the National Capital. With the monsoon, varsha ritustarts in India. In Ayurveda, it is the time for aggravation of Vata or the movement functions in the body. While this is a time to rejoice, it is also imperative to take certain precautions, especially in children, failing which they can become susceptible to a host of diseases and infections.

Monsoon is the time when the adage ‘Prevention is better than cure’ should apply to one and all. Mosquito borne diseases like dengue, malaria and chikungunya are dreaded by all parents. Large number of children have been affected by dengue in the last few years.

Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee, Dr KK Aggarwal, President, HCFI, said, “Monsoon is welcome by all but comes with lots of diseases as the immunity of the body is reduced. The diseases associated with monsoon are malaria, dengue, Chikungunya, jaundice, gastrointestinal infections like typhoid and cholera. Apart from these, viral infections like cold and cough are also common. Children and elderly are low in immunity and are therefore more susceptible. The water that gets collected due to rain becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Contamination of drinking water is common. It is important to drink clean and pure water to prevent diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections. Worms from underground comes to the surface and contaminate the surface vegetables. In the presence of weak digestive fire, this can cause gastric disturbances. It is because of this reason that community lunches and marriage are prohibited in this season.”

Monsoon fever can be deceptive. Most diseases are self–limiting and take 4 to 7 days to resolve. The basic precaution involves proper hydration, especially on the days when fever is subsiding. However, any fever with associated comorbid conditions should not be ignored and the doctor should be consulted.

Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, who is also the Group Editor of IJCP, said, “Walking in dirty water during rainy season leads to numerous fungal infections, which affect toes and nails. Diabetic patients must take care of infections that affect toes and nails. They should always keep the feet dry and clean. Avoid walking in dirty water. Precautions must also be taken to prevent dampness and growth of fungus (mold) on and around the house were asthmatic patients are living. Avoid fumigation in case of asthmatic patients.

Some tips from HCFI

• Abdominal complaints are common in this season. Eat light food as the GI system of the body cannot digest heavy food.
• Do not eat leafy vegetables without washing or boiling as they may be contaminated with eggs of round worms. Beware of eating snacks at some outside stall.
•  Beware of electrical deaths in this season as the coolers without earthing can leak electricity
• Do not walk barefooted as most worms can come out and cause the infection. Do not keep wet clothes and leather without proper drying them as they may attract fungus.
• With each shower of rain, the BP may fluctuate so medications must be revisited.
• Do not play in stagnant water as rat urine mixed with rain water may produce lactosyrosis (fever with jaundice)
• Do not let water accumulate in the house or surrounding areas. Drink only boiled or safe water as there are more chances of diarrhea, jaundice, and typhoid in this season.