Monsoon has already started to pour its heart, bringing with it dollops of relief from the summer heat. However, one must not forget that these cool showers can be a harbinger of a myriad of diseases right from water-borne ailments to viral infections. Water not only gets contaminated easily during monsoon but also becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Also, the constantly changing weather takes a toll on your immunity, making you more prone to viral infections.
3 Most Common Monsoon Diseases
Some of the common monsoon diseases you should be wary of this season are:
– Cold and flu: The sudden change in season makes you susceptible to viral infections such as cold and flu. In fact, it is one of the most common reasons for missing school and office during monsoon. Characterized by high fever, flu is quite common in people with chronic diseases, kids, elderly (above 65 years of age), and pregnant women[1].
– Mosquito-borne diseases: During monsoon, there is an increase in the cases of mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. According to a 2018 research study[2], India accounts for around 70% of total malaria cases and 69% of overall deaths in the Southeast Asia region caused by malaria. In addition to that, in India, dengue is endemic in almost all states and is the leading cause of hospitalization[3].
– Food and water-borne infections: Walking through puddles filled with rainwater during monsoon can land you in a hospital with leptospirosis. On the other hand, drinking water from food outlets or drinking tap water can make you prone to developing typhoid and diarrhea. This is due to intake of contaminated water which is quite common in monsoon. The statistics say that typhoid, caused by the bacteria Salmonella Typhi, is responsible for about 20 million cases of the disease and over 1,40,000 deaths annually globally[4].
Why YOU Need Health Insurance?
There is no doubt that monsoon can pose a big threat to health. But what most people are worried about during monsoon is the damage it brings to the assets. This is the reason that when you ask about insurance cover during monsoon, the first thing that comes to mind is motor insurance or house insurance. Well, it goes without saying that heavy rains and floods have become a part and parcel of every rainy season. Hence, it is imperative to get your vehicles and homes insured before the season kicks in. But what we also need to be aware of is that health insurance is also a must.
Health insurance can protect you and your family from the significant medical expenses incurred during hospitalization. In addition, it also lends a helping hand to you by providing financial support at the right time. An insurance that covers doctor consultations, laboratory tests, medicines, and post-surgery expenses can ease the financial burden, especially in cases of medical emergencies. It is best to get health insurance for an entire year, as it can offer protection all round the season.
Remember, it is better to be safe than sorry. Opt for a health insurance cover that fits your bill and covers you and your family.
Tips To Stay Safe This Monsoon
While choosing a health insurance to protect yourself this monsoon is a must, here are a few at-home tips which can keep you safe and healthy this season. These include:
– Avoid contact with sick people as it increases the risk of infection.
– Always opt for boiled/filtered or packaged water and avoid drinking tap water or water from food outlets.
– Wash your hands with soap and water before and after meals and after using the washroom. If water is not available, opt for a hand sanitizer.
– Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of the tissue immediately.
– Do not let the water clog in your garden area or backyard and change the water in pots, birdbaths, vases, and fish tanks regularly.
– Turn over empty pails and buckets when not in use and cover the containers with proper lids to prevent mosquitoes from breeding.
– Use mosquito nets, mosquito coils, or mosquito repellents to prevent mosquito bites.
References:
1. Saha S, Gupta V, Dawood FS, et al. Estimation of community-level influenza-associated illness in a low resource rural setting in India. PLoS One. 2018 Apr 26;13(4):e0196495. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5919664/
2. Patankar S, Sharma S, Rathod PK, Duraisingh MT. Malaria in India: The Need for New Targets for Diagnosis and Detection of Plasmodium vivax. Proteomics Clin Appl. 2018 Jul;12(4):e1700024. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5975085/
3. Ganeshkumar P, Murhekar MV, Poornima V, et al. Dengue infection in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS Negl Trop Dis. 2018 Jul 16;12(7):e0006618. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6078327/
4. John J, Bavdekar A, Rongsen-Chandola T, et al. Estimating the incidence of enteric fever in children in India: a multi-site, active fever surveillance of pediatric cohorts. BMC Public Health. 2018 May 3;18(1):594. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5934828/