Dr. Ruchi Gupta, CEO & Founder 3Hcare.in

Monsoon brings immense happiness and cheers to our eyes but it also makes a perfect environment for the growth of various viruses and bacteria giving rise to a number of air and water borne diseases. Accumulated rain water and the moisture present in the air is highly suitable ambience for mosquito breeding which may lead to various life-threatening ailments.

Due to lowered immune system, fever is a very common occurrence in this season. There are some fevers which are easily treatable and can be dealt with medications prescribed by doctors while some require proper medical tests otherwise they can turn fatal in near future. Here are some of the common monsoon diseases and tests to detect such ailments.

1.     Malaria

It is one of the most common monsoon-related diseases; malaria is caused by a bite of female Anopheles mosquito which breeds in stagnant water.

In malaria, fever is associated with the bouts of shivering, body aches and sweating. The symptoms of this disease generally occur in cycles, this due to the malarial parasite as they develop and reproduce in the human body. The best way to prevent malaria fever is to clean your water tank frequently and keep your surroundings clean.

 Tests

The tests for detection of malarial fever recommended by World Health Organization (WHO), which are malarial parasite detection test by microscopy and rapid antigen detection test. Ideally, this should be done well before antimalarial treatment is started.

2.    Typhoid

It is a water-borne disease; typhoid is commonly caused due to poor sanitation. This means consumption of food and water cooked or kept in bad sanitation. S.typhi is bacteria which causes typhoid fever.

The fever increases over a period of time step by step and drops subsequent in the morning. This fluctuated fever can be associated with severe abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fatigue and headaches. Keeping a hand sanitizer with you all the times and avoiding street foods, drinking plenty of fluids will help you to prevent typhoid fever.

Tests

The test for typhoid fever is blood culture. Rapid Typhi IGM and Widal agglutination are some other common tests to detect typhoid fever.

3.     Dengue

It is a viral infection caused by the bite of female Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Sudden high-grade fever, severe headaches, severe and muscle pain, skin rashes, loss of appetite and tiredness are some common symptoms of dengue fever. The dread of dengue fever had proven to be life-taking in many cases. Sudden spread of dengue cases was attributed to erratic rainfall and high level humidity. Using mosquito repellents and growing insect repellent plants like citronella can be a good way to prevent dengue fever.

Tests

There are various tests which are conducted for suspecting dengue fever. Dropping of platelets is the first indication of dengue fever. Therefore regular monitoring is necessary. Commonly tests conducted are CBC (Complete blood Count, Dengue IgM and NS1 dengue antigen.

4.    CHIKUNGUNYA

It is majorly caused by mosquitoes born in stagnant water found in air conditioners, coolers, plants, utensils and water pipes. This disease is transmitted by the bite of infected Aedes Albopictus Mosquitoes. This mosquito can bite you not only nights but also in the bright sunlight. This fever is associated with multiple features like vomiting, rashes, and nausea and joint pains. Clearing out surfaces and using insect repellents can be an easy to prevent chikugunya. 

Tests

The virus isolation is the most definitive test although it takes one or two weeks for the completion. Chikungunya IgM test can also be done

5.    Hepatitis A

It derives from an infection with the Hepatitis A virus (HAV). This type of hepatitis is most commonly transmitted by consuming food or water that has been contaminated by feces. The symptoms of this fever include low- grade fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and loss of appetite. It is advisable to wash your hands thoroughly after using restroom and when you come in contact with an infected person’s blood, stool or other body fluids. Avoiding unclean food and water will also help you to prevent Hepatitis A.

Tests

The diagnosis is made by blood tests which detect viral antigen and hepatitis A IgM antibodies.

It is advisable to go for a Full Body Preventive Health Checkup or regular blood tests in order to be certain of your health status and for the early diagnosis of diseases at its initial stage.

In order to enjoy monsoon, it is first important to be physically well. Umbrella yourself not just from the raindrops, but also from the diseases this monsoon

 Stay fit keep health first