The Indian monsoon brings refreshing rains but also a spike in illnesses due to stagnant water, and poor sanitation. Dengue fever, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, causes high fever, rashes, and severe complications if untreated. Since vaccines aren’t yet widely available, prevention through mosquito control is vital. Seasonal flu also rises during monsoon, spreading through respiratory droplets. Hygiene, distancing, and vaccination can reduce flu risk. Water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A thrive in flooded and unsanitary conditions, leading to diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Clean water, proper sanitation, and early medical care are essential for prevention and recovery. With basic precautions—clean surroundings, safe food and water, and prompt treatment—you can enjoy the monsoon safely. Always consult a doctor if symptoms appear and take any illness seriously to protect yourself and others.
In India, the monsoon is a celebrated season that brings rain to many hot, dry places. However, along with the beauty and freshness of the rain, monsoons also bring us some health concerns. High humidity and stagnant water are great environments for diseases to thrive. Water-borne and mosquito-borne illnesses spread quickly through the population during the monsoon season. Fortunately, with some awareness and good hygiene practices, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick during the rains.
Dengue Fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that is common in the tropics. Mild cases of the illness result in symptoms like high fever, headache, muscle pains, nausea and swollen glands. A severe form of dengue results in a sudden drop in blood pressure and possibly death.
It is a very serious illness, but unfortunately vaccines are still in development. India’s first dengue vaccine is set to launch in 2025. For now, the best strategy to prevent Dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites and exterminate the mosquito population around your house and workplace. The key is to eliminate stagnant dirty water around your neighborhood, and fumigate to kill mosquitoes regularly. Always use mosquito repellant on your skin, and ensure all you windows and ventilators have mosquito mesh.
Dengue fever is not contagious through touch or air droplets, but it can be passed from a pregnant mother to the unborn fetus. Dengue fever is spread through mosquito bites. It can spread when a mosquito which has bitten an infected person bites another person. There are 4 types of viruses which cause dengue fever. When you contract dengue, you have long term immunity, but only to the strain you contracted. You could still get infected by any of the other 3 strains, so be careful regardless.
If you or anyone you know develops a high fever (above 102 F), go to the hospital and get treated immediately. Dengue Fever can cause complications like internal bleeding and organ damage if left unchecked.
The Flu, or influenza, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is most common in the colder months. It tends to spread easily throughout the population, so we often have annual influenza outbreaks during the monsoon. The seasonal flu is similar to Covid-19 in its symptoms, but they are different infections caused by different viruses. The only way to tell them apart is through testing.
The flu is transmitted from person to person through respiratory droplets that are thrown into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or even speaks. The influenza virus can also spread when people come in contact these respiratory droplets deposited on surfaces. To avoid contracting influenza, wash your hands often, especially after coming in contact with an infected person. When interacting with someone who has the flu try to maintain distance, avoid touching your face, and wear a mask if possible. It is also recommended to take these precautions in crowded, public spaces like buses, trains, malls, offices and schools. Fortunately, influenza vaccines are available, so you can get the vaccine before the monsoon season. This is recommended especially if you are planning to travel.
The flu can be treated with antiviral medications. However, most people can manage the symptoms at home with over-the-counter pain killers, expectorants and decongestants. The general physician will be able to treat your flu over the phone, if you have a thermometer and track the fever. Get plenty of rest and hydrate with lots of warm fluids.
The monsoons are notorious for flooding Indian cities. Waste water and sewage mixes with rain water and creates a hot-bed for mosquitoes and bacteria to breed. These conditions frequently lead to out-breaks of water-borne illnesses like cholera, typhoid, dysentery and hepatitis A. The problem is not just the weather, it is also the infrastructure and civic sense of the people. Practising good hygiene and having access to safe water are crucial to protect yourself from water-borne diseases.
Most of the water-borne illnesses cause diarrhea, causing a dangerous level of dehydration if not treated properly. These infections typically also cause vomiting, abdominal cramps and fever. These infections are serious, and need prompt treatment with anti-biotics to limit the long-term damage to the patient’s health. If you experience any of these symptoms during monsoon season, you should visit the hospital or call your family doctor immediately – Err on the side of caution.
Preventing water-borne illnesses is easy enough, if you take a few precautions. Ensure you always have access to clean, safe drinking water. Use bottled water, or ensure it is boiled and filtered before use. Wash your hands often, especially as soon as you enter the house after being in a public space and using the bathroom. If you don’t have access to clean water and soap to wash your hands, use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid public urination or defecation. Keep your spaces clean – Sanitize and disinfect your home and workspaces every day. Avoid eating raw foods and cold beverages at restaurants during the monsoon, as these have higher chances of being contaminated.
If you or your loved ones experience symptoms of dengue, flu, or other monsoon-related illnesses, don’t hesitate to seek medical advice. The expert doctors at Kauvery Hospital, with branches in Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli, and Trichy, are ready to provide you with comprehensive care to ensure a safe and healthy monsoon season.
The Monsoon can be cooling and magical when enjoyed responsibly. With some good hygiene practices, and awareness of what to watch out for you can safely play in the rain. If you really want to play in the rain, do so on your terrace. Make sure the terrace is cleaned often and isn’t infected with animal poop. Make smart choices, to avoid infections. In case you get sick, go to the doctor and get treated quickly to help yourself recover, as well as protect others from catching your illness.
What are the most common diseases during the monsoon in India? The most common monsoon illnesses in India include dengue fever, seasonal flu, and water-borne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and hepatitis A. These infections spread due to stagnant water, mosquito breeding, and poor sanitation.
How can I protect myself from dengue during the monsoon? To prevent dengue, avoid mosquito bites by using repellents, wearing full-sleeved clothing, and eliminating stagnant water around your home. Install mosquito nets or mesh and fumigate regularly. There’s no widespread vaccine, so prevention is key.
What are the symptoms of dengue fever to watch out for? Early symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, skin rashes, and nausea. Severe cases may lead to internal bleeding and organ failure. See a doctor immediately if fever lasts beyond two days.
How is seasonal flu different from COVID-19? Both flu and COVID-19 share symptoms like fever, cough, and fatigue, but they’re caused by different viruses. Only a lab test can confirm the difference. Flu is common in monsoon and preventable through annual vaccination.
How can I avoid water-borne diseases during the rainy season? Drink only filtered or boiled water, wash hands regularly, and avoid eating raw or street food during the monsoon. Keep your surroundings clean and sanitized to prevent infections like typhoid, cholera, and hepatitis A.
Is the flu contagious and how does it spread? Yes, the flu spreads through airborne respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. It can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces. Wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining distance help reduce transmission.
When should I see a doctor during the monsoon season? Seek medical help if you experience high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, or persistent cough. Early diagnosis of dengue, flu, or typhoid is essential to prevent complications and speed up recovery.
What precautions should children and elderly take during monsoon? Children and older adults are more vulnerable. Keep them indoors during peak mosquito hours, ensure hygienic food and water, and consider getting flu vaccinations. Regular handwashing is critical to prevent infections.
Are there vaccines for monsoon diseases like dengue or flu? India is developing a dengue vaccine, expected by 2025. For now, no dengue vaccine is widely available, but flu vaccines are accessible and recommended annually before monsoon season, especially for high-risk groups.
Can I enjoy the rain safely without falling sick? Yes, you can enjoy the monsoon if you follow basic health practices: wear rainproof shoes, stay dry, eat clean food, drink safe water, and treat symptoms early. Avoid floodwater and unhygienic areas.
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai (Alwarpet, Vadapalani & Radial Road), Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and paediatric trauma care.
Chennai Alwarpet – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Vadapalani – 044 4000 6000 • Chennai Radial Road – 044 40504050 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Maa Kauvery Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Kauvery Cancer Institute, Trichy – 0431 4077777 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 68011
