Vicious virals

“With the starting of the rains I had fever which has now subsided. But the throat irritation is troubling meal a lot,” complains Pooja Dutt,a resident of Viman Nagar.

Sharing some information on the common diseases during monsoon,Dr Jayant Navrangee says,“The diseases that we notice during monsoon can be divided into three sections – first,the diseases of the throat and neck,diseases of the stomach and skin diseases.”

He further adds that apart from common cold,cough,flu and fever,bronchitic asthma and pneumonia are other diseases that may be prominent during the monsoon. These diseases can be either viral or bacterial. The moisture in the air proves to be favorable for bacterial and viral growth.

When cold and flu may torment all equally,the overcast sky may cause some concern for our grannies. “Due to the cloud in the sky Rheumatiod arthritis and other forms of arthritis can cause trouble to the old,” says Dr Avinash Bhondwe. He suggests the administration of fomentation,that is,applying heat pads for those suffering from arthritis.

The rain can also be a little bad for those with respiratory diseases. As Rohit Sharma,a resident of Bhoshle Nagar says,“The rain has just aggravated my asthma and I am getting wild attacks.” There is also something to worry for those whose loves going out in rains.

“The wet clothes may lead to fungal infection in the groins and between the fingers and the toes. One must dry oneself as soon as they get wet in order to avoid it,” cautions Dr Bhondwe

While anybody may be vulnerable to the monsoon illness,it is the tiny tots that require special attention. “If the common cough and cold is not treated in time it can lead to other forms of bacterial infections like ottohrea,that is,puss discharge from ear and pneumonia,” tells,child specialist Dr Dilip Sarda. Adding to this information Dr Navrange,says that conjunctivitis is also very often noticed in the children and in that condition the child should no be sent to school as there is always a fear of others getting infected.

While the logged rainwater may lead to the appearance of malaria and dengue,the leaking pipes is another cause for jaundice being common in the season. On the other hand contaminated food can cause dysentery and diaherria. “The best way to prevent these diseases are to avoid crowded places,outside food and drink water boiled for at least 15 minutes,” advises Dr Sarda.

The common cold and fever subsides in a day or two as opined by the experts. But if it persists,then medication becomes necessary.

“Medicines like paracetamol,benadryl syrup and anti-allergic drugs are mainly administered to patients. But people should avoid self-medication and visit a physician for advice,” says Dr Navrange.