Monsoon Season Health Guide: Expert Tips On Managing Viral Fever And Infections During Rainy Season

Seasonal weather changes can affect every individual differently as some people have good immunity and can withstand seasonal changes without any health problems, while others suffer from viral fevers and other health complications. The monsoon season in India generally occurs between June and August, depending on the region and this season can cause many airborne, waterborne and vector-borne diseases known as viral infections.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Paritosh Baghel, senior consultant – internal medicine at SL Raheja Hospital in Mahim, explains that viral infections that occur during monsoon can be divided into different groups based on the way they spread –

• Airborne viral infections include the common cold, influenza, and viral flu.
• Water-borne viral infections including viral gastroenteritis and diarrhoea
• Vector-borne viral infections, including chikungunya and dengue

Dr. Paritosh Baghel explained, “As the name suggests, viral infections are infections caused by different types of viruses. Viruses can affect any part of our body such as the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, heart, nervous system, etc. During monsoon, a common viral infection is fever. Most of the times, the human body temperature is 98.6°F or 37°C. If the temperature rises even by one degree, it is called fever. Fever often indicates that the human body is trying to fight a bacterial or viral infection.”

What are the symptoms of viral fever?

Dr. Paritosh Baghel explained, “As monsoon arrives after summer, there is a sudden drop in temperature, resulting in an increase in viral infections among the general population. This viral infection generally affects the respiratory tract, including the nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs. In most cases, the infection spreads from person to person through droplets. When an infected person coughs, yawns, sneezes, or talks, they spray small particles of fluid (droplets) that contain the virus. If an uninfected person is standing close to them, the virus can enter their body through the nose or mouth, causing them to get infected. Once infected, it takes about 16 to 48 hours to turn into a full-blown infection.”

He elaborated, “Some of the symptoms of viral fever include chills, sweating, dehydration, headache, muscle pain, feeling weak and loss of appetite. Sometimes the symptoms are vague and may take time to completely weaken the person. The best way to diagnose fever at home is to check the person’s temperature with the help of a thermometer. If there is a fever, it is best that the person consults a specialist as soon as possible to ascertain the diagnosis and begin treatment.”

How is viral fever treated?

According to Dr. Paritosh Baghel, viral fever is a common illness and people can usually recover at home, unless the illness becomes severe and requires hospitalization. Some common ways to help a person get relief from their symptoms are as follows –

• Take fever medicines like Disprin or Crocin. However, these medicines should be taken only after consulting a doctor, especially if they relate to children.
• Give your body enough rest and sleep.
• Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated, as dehydration in this condition can be dangerous.
• Take a bath with lukewarm water to reduce body temperature.

How can viral fever be prevented?

Although viral fever and infection are common, especially during the monsoon season, taking some simple precautions can go a long way in preventing them. Dr. Paritosh Baghel has given some tips to prevent viral infection and fever –

• Maintain personal hygiene by washing hands with soap or cleaning them with hand rub, especially when you come from outside.
• Maintain cleanliness in your home and surroundings.
• If you know someone is infected, avoid any type of communication with them.
• Don’t touch your nose and mouth frequently, especially when you’re outside.
• Always cover your mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing. If you feel sick and have a fever, avoid going to public places to prevent spreading the disease.
• Maintain good immunity and stay healthy by eating a balanced and nutritious diet.
• Exercise regularly, drink plenty of water, and sleep at least eight hours each night.