Monsoon Related Diseases during CoronaTimes

As time is passing by ,we are gradually stepping towards new normal life. Where at one place we are to take all precautions against covid -19, it should also be kept in mind that monsoon is approaching and here we should also take care about monsoon related diseases. 

These diseases persist throughout the year, but their  incidence  increases remarkably  during monsoon season.  

Some very common diseases are - 

1) vector borne  / mosquito borne diseases like - malaria,dengue, ,leptospirosis

2) air borne diseases like- common flu, H1N1 influenza,  pneumonia,tuberculosis.

3) water -borne diseases like- cholera,gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, 

4) skin infections like - fungal infections, bacterial infections.boils,rashes.

In order to prevent these diseases,certain points should be taken care of -

To prevent mosquito related diseases- 

1) prevent mosquito breeding - by keeping drinking water in hygienic conditions, cleaning  the drums and containers used for storing water- promoting dry day in which for one day all containers are thoroughly washed and dried up before again storing water.

2) avoid water logging - for example the pots in which ornamental plants are kept should be cleaned at regular intervals, AC ducts should be cleaned intermittently , manholes to be prevented from logging .

3) prevent mosquito bite- by using mosquito nets,mosquito  repellants .

At community level regular fogging done by the government officials should be promoted.

Walking bare footed in logged water or soil ,or otherwise should always be avoided as it may cause leptospirosis and  ascariasis(hook work infection ) respectively.use gum boots where required.

To prevent air borne diseases

1) use of face mask ( as for preventing covid -19) , handkerchief for coughing,sneezing,

2) maintain social distancing , (avoid going into public places).

3) avoid exposure to dust , hay, fibers, and other particles causing allergies. 

Keynote- during monsoon the risk of getting covid-19 disease is tend to increase.Therefore ,avoid consuming cold food as it may cause sore throat which inturn may worsen the case.

To prevent water borne diseases -

1) always consume safe water ,use mineral water wherever possible.

2) use water purifiers, aquaguards. Where applicable, alum, chlorine solution or chlorine tablets can also be used to disinfect water . At community level, use of bleaching powder to disinfect water bodies is promoted.

Simple boiling of water at home before consuming it is also a good practice.

To prevent skin infections-

1) Disinfection of floor using Dettol,Lyzol (or whichever disinfectant available) is highly recommended .

2) wear washed ,well-dried clothes and maintain good personal hygiene .

3) Avoid wearing moist footwear, socks and clothes.

Regular hand washing,keeping good nutrition, healthy diet , regular exercise along with all precautions will certainly help in achieving a good health.

Also, food borne diseases are caused by consuming unhealthy food. So avoid consuming uncooked,raw food ,unpacked food or the food not fulfilling the quality standards.(ISI ,FSSAI)