What are the common water-borne diseases? How can one keep them at bay?— Madhur TiwariCommon water-borne diseases include typhoid, cholera, hepatitis and organisms that cause dysentery.You should avoid drinking water outside if you are not sure of its quality. Carry your own drinking water from home. Make sure your water is properly filtered or boil it for about 20 minutes at home.Why does viral fever happen at this time? What are the ways of keeping oneself protected against viral? In case of viral, is it necessary to go to a doctor and when? — Sanjeev AhujaIn countries like India, viral fever commonly occurs during the monsoon months due to increased humidity and temperature. This allows the virus to survive for a longer time and infect a number of persons. Viral fever is an infectious disease. Avoid exposure to persons suffering from cold and cough. Ask people to cover their mouth while coughing. Also wash hands frequently and observe good hygiene. If the fever is associated with severe headache, vomiting, cough with yellow sputum or there are skin rashes or bleeding from any site, consult your doctor.I am 30 years old and my job is such that I often end up eating out. I want to know what is safe to eat in this season.— Anjali KumarWhile eating out, make sure that the food is freshly cooked and not stale. Also food, which has been cooked at high temperature or baked, is better. Avoid uncooked items like salads. Take fruits that have to eaten after peeling, like bananas and oranges.Antibiotics are always recommended during viral fever. Is it safe to have them every time we fall sick? Isn’t there a possibility of developing anbiotic resistance? — SrinivasanAntibiotics have no role in the treatment of viral fever. If a super added bacterial infection is suspected, then an antibiotic is indicated. Frequent misuse of antibiotics will lead to the development of resistance and the antibiotic will become ineffective in the long run.What causes allergies? I often find rashes developing on my arms. Is it due to the weather or is there any other cause? — Rashi SinghAllergies is a reaction of the body to substances it is sensitive to. Exposure to these substances leads to the release of certain substances in the body, which causes the symptoms. Thus one can have skin allergy, food allergy or inhaled allergy.It is not an infection and antibiotics are not needed. At certain times of the year, because of increased allergens in the air, in spring and autumn, people tend to have more allergies. Also exposure to certain substances like perfume, soap or drugs, can bring on an allergic reaction.
