Water-borne Killers

Summer is well-entrenched. Monsoon is knocking on the door. Heat, combined with short spells of rain that send humidity levels shooting, is an ideal condition for water-borne diseases to flourish, say doctors.

Summer is well-entrenched. Monsoon is knocking on the door. Heat, combined with short spells of rain that send humidity levels shooting, is an ideal condition for water-borne diseases to flourish, say doctors. 8220;Water is scarce during summer. But when it rains, as it often does, sewage water gets mixed with potable water. This leads to various diseases,8221; says Dr Anoop Misra, head of the diabetes department at Delhi8217;s Fortis Hospital.

Mode of attack

8220;In case of intestinal diseases, the parasite penetrates the intestinal wall and breaks it down. Diarrhoea or even bleeding is possible in such cases,8221; explains Dr Misra. In other cases, the parasite penetrates the intestinal wall, enters the blood stream and even logs into various vital organs of the body.

As the saying goes, prevention is always better than cure. So here are some tips to keep health troubles at bay this summer:

Typhoid

Vaccination, with about 70-90 per cent protective efficacy, is the answer. The vaccine is available both as injection and oral capsule. Take three capsules every alternate day or get two injections one month apart. The effect of the vaccine lasts for at least three years.

Hepatitis A

Again, vaccination is the way out. Short-term protection against Hepatitis A is also possible with immune globulin. It can be given before and within two weeks after coming in contact with the Hepatitis A virus.

Hepatitis E

No vaccines are available yet. Ensure that you avoid contaminated water and food.

Leptospirosis

There are no vaccines to shield you from this. Good sanitation, rodent control and protective measures like wearing boots and gloves can help reduce risk. Direct contact with contami-nated water should also be avoided. People who are at risk should cover all cuts and broken skin with waterproof plasters. Wearing protective clothing and washing hands after handling animals and before eating are musts.

Diarrhoea

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There are no vaccines. Consume only clean food and water, and maintain personal hy-giene. Have adequate quantities of Oral Rehy-dration Solution ORS8212;add a teaspoon of sugar and salt to a glass of water8212;to prevent dehydration. Viral infections are self-limiting.

So unless there is vomiting, blood or mucus in stool, greenish stool, or severe diarrhoea, an-tibiotics are generally not prescribed.

FOR A HAPPY SUMMER

A little care is all that it takes to ensure a healthy, happy summer. Here8217;s a list of do8217;s and don8217;ts from Dr Misra.

Dos

8226; Take care of personal hygiene. Bathe twice a day and wash your hands well after using the toilet and before meals.

8226; Eat fully cooked food that is still hot.

8226; Drink only boiled water.

Don8217;ts

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8226; When eating out, consume raw vegetables and fruits that cannot be peeled. This is because the peel protects the fruit/vegetable from dust and grime. Otherwise, go for fruits like oranges that can be peeled.

8226; Avoid food and beverages from street vendors. Instead, go to a good restaurant.