Hyderabad: Incessant rains, temperatures that are fluctuating every now and then and heavy waterlogging have converted most localities in the city into breeding grounds for a plethora of seasonal diseases and illnesses.
Doctors have expressed concern at the steady rise of flu, dengue and malaria cases, respiratory tract infections, viral fever and water and food-borne infections this monsoon season. High fever, cold, cough, body ache, chest congestion, nausea, headache are the common symptoms in viral infections
Dr Shiva Raju K, head of medicine department, KIMs hospitals, told Deccan Chronicle, “Flu is the most common illness that is caused by rains and weather changes. We have seen an increase in flu cases in the last two weeks. Dengue cases are also on the rise due to water-logging, while water contamination is leading to typhoid, viral diarrhea, acute gastroenteritis, jaundice-causing viral hepatitis cases.”
The most important way to improve immunity levels to combat flu is by taking vitamin D tablets, reducing stress, eating protein-rich food, regular physical exercise and avoiding street food. Taking flu vaccines once a year, especially the elderly, children and diabetic patients, is a good augury, added Dr. Raju.
Senior consultant physician Dr. Dilip Gude said that leptospirosis, a bacterial infection, is on the rise in areas with heavy water-logging, inundation and flood waters.
“People moving in the submerged and waterlogged areas are prone to leptospirosis, which comes with symptoms like high fever and headache and could lead to hepatitis. If undetected, it can lead to severe diseases like liver failure. Hypothermia is also a matter of concern among elderly people, diabetics and kidney patients as they are unable to cope with cold temperatures” said Dr Gude.
Dr Anish Ananad, internal medicine consultant, warned against asthma. “Increased humidity levels increase the frequency and intensity of asthmatic attacks. Those with a history of allergies, smokers and asthma patients need to take extra precautions in the rainy season,” he said.
Precautions during the rainy season:
- Avoid street food
- Drink clean and safe water
- Wear dry, loose and warm fittings
- Clear water-logging in and around the house
- Use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets
- Get flu vaccines
- Enhance immunity by regular exercise
- Elderly people, children, pregnant women, people with co-morbid conditions like diabetes and heart ailments need to be extra cautious
