Arm yourself against disease, this season

Mid-year is a good time to review your annual fitness goals and overall health. Active! gets you the lowdown on five of the most common illnesses in the rains, plus prevention measures. Also, how to shop for the right fruits and vegetables

The rain clouds have arrived with an unusual vengeance, this year, and though they remain heartily welcomed by most, post the unbearable heat, everything is not all warm 'chai' and steaming hot 'pakoras.' As far as the spate of threatening diseases the monsoon brings with it is concerned, when it rains, it certainly pours.

Homeopath Dr Sunita Patel says, "The constant dampness and pools of stagnant water are the ideal breeding ground for disease-causing microorganisms. The most common illnesses are therefore waterborne or gastro-intestinal."

Malaria
"Malignant malaria is probably the most notorious disease associated with the season," says Dr Abhishek Bhargav, adding that the danger is increasing as, not just Falciparum malaria, but also vivax Malaria is contributing to organ failure.

Symptoms include recurring fever at the same time everyday, headaches, nausea and constant shivering, coupled with muscle pain and general weakness.

Prevention is better than cure, as malaria severely weakens the system, particularly in the case of pregnant women and children. Make sure to use plenty of mosquito repellent and ensure that your local municipality has any stagnant pools of water near your residence cleared.

If you notice these symptoms in yourself or your loved ones, visit the doctor immediately, as it can be extremely dangerous if left untreated, not to mention easy to confuse with a regular viral fever.

Be wary of side-effects from anti-malaria drugs and make sure the patient is kept warm, receives sufficient bed rest and fluid intake to prevent dehydration.

Typhoid
"Not only is typhoid extremely weakening, but highly contagious as well. It is perhaps the most common in children, given their lowered immunity, second only to malaria, and can cause death if not treated immediately," says pediatrician Dr Snehal Jhaveri.

Caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, typhoid is usually passed through contaminated food and water via the faeco-oral route.

Symptoms include a prolonged high-grade fever followed by headaches, confusion and severe abdominal pain. Some patients also develop a rash unique to typhoid in the second week of illness.

Prevention, treatment and even post-recovery care are of utmost importance, as relapses are common. If you know that your residential area is prone to such contagious diseases, Dr Jhaveri feels vaccinating your family is highly advisable.

Also, try to consume only home food and boiled water as far as possible. Once diagnosed though, it is vital that the patient is kept isolated so as to prevent the spread of the disease. Fluid intake must be kept high.

Leptospirosis
"While the incidence of this disease has decreased in the last two years, it is imperative to still take precautions," says Dr Bhargav. Both animals and humans are equally susceptible to the disease caused by the bacterium 'Leptospira spp'. It is generally spread through the consumption of contaminated food or by wading through dirty water with open wounds.

Symptoms include high fever accompanied by cold chills, severe headaches and muscle aches. Patients may also suffer from nausea, abdominal pains, diarrhea and rashes. It is sometimes wrongly diagnosed as typhoid.

Prevention includes avoiding contact with stagnant rainwater as far as possible, taking care to keep wounds clean, covered and protected with antiseptics. One must also avoid swimming in high-risk areas like seas and lakes.

Timely medication is a must so as to prevent the development of kidney damage, liver failure etc. Antibiotics must be administered in the early stages of the disease itself.

Gastroenteritis
According to Dr Patel, the incidence of gastroenteritis is the highest in this season, typically stems from poor hygiene and intake of contaminated water and food. Children are especially susceptible.

Symptoms include everything from diarrhea and colitis to inflammation of the large intestines.

"Prevention, treatment and post-recovery care all require one basic element and that is a good sense of hygiene and cleanliness. From food and water to keeping one's house clean as well. All of this will hold you in good stead through the season," says Dr Patel.

It is also important to keep patients well hydrated, as they are bound to lose a lot of bodily fluids through the diarrhea and vomiting.

Jaundice/ Hepatitis A
"This virus tends to spiral out of control every monsoon since, like most other illnesses of the season, it is waterborne and spreads via the faeco-oral route," says Dr Bhargav.u00a0 The epidemic is generally caused by the Hepatitis A virus and is usually the result of poor hygiene. Spread through food that has been contaminated by flies.

Flu-like symptoms make it easy to miss and that much more important to monitor carefully. The patient experiences high body temperature coupled by headaches. A sure-fire sign is if the suspected patient's urine becomes darker, while stools appear lighter, and a yellowish tinge appears all over the body.

Prevention is very advisable as the recovery period and weakening effects of this disease on the body is extremely long. Vaccinate your family (especially if your residential area is not the most sanitised) and ensure your home is clean and free of flies. Avoid eating and drinking out as much as possible. If diagnosed, bed rest is recommended with a special diet, low in protein and high in calories.

Food rules
To ensure that you eat right nutritionist, Madhuri Ruia, recommends you follow these food rules:
>> Soak all vegetables in a 1:10 solution of vinegar and water for 10 minutes to ensure germ-free nutritious food.

>> Add salt to cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower and broccoli.

>> Refrigerate leftover food immediately.

>> Ensure that all water is boiled and everything is washed with this water too.

>> Keep all food and kitchen cutlery covered at all times so as to prevent contamination by house flies.

>> Shop for plump, brightly coloured fruits and vegetables. Buy smaller quantities, as fruits and veggies are more prone to spoiling in this weather.

14,465
The number of Gastroenteritis cases reported in Mumbai,u00a0last year