The transition from winter to summer has led to an increase in cases of seasonal fever and infections across the country. While some days are pleasant and breezy, other days are unusually hot, making us vulnerable to viral illnesses as well as vector-borne diseases. According to experts, cases of viral fever, dengue, typhoid and leptospirosis are on the rise due to multiple risk factors including consumption of contaminated food and water and the onset of mosquito breeding season. (Also Read | Summer Pregnancy: What Pregnant Moms Should and Shouldn’t Do)
While winter is long gone, spring brings with it new challenges before the arrival of summer with weather fluctuations and deadly heat waves. It is no wonder that a large number of diseases are being found in different parts of the country.
It is important to avoid eating street food, follow social distancing measures, wash hands properly and take steps to prevent mosquito breeding.
Measures to prevent seasonal fever
Dr Vikas says, “As the weather fluctuates, bringing respite from the scorching heat or shivering cold, it also brings a wave of viral infections. Viruses exploit different modes of transmission, From inhalation to mosquito bites, making preventive measures paramount to protect health.” Doshi, Consultant Physician, Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara.
Dr. Doshi shares preventive measures to avoid viral infections amid the fluctuating weather.
hand hygiene: To reduce the risk of respiratory infections, it is important to wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
avoid close contact: Avoid direct contact with sick individuals to reduce exposure to airborne viruses.
masking: Wearing a mask, especially when experiencing respiratory symptoms, works to prevent inhaling infectious droplets.
social distancing: To reduce the chance of airborne transmission, maintain a safe distance from infected persons, especially in crowded places.
Dr. Doshi also cautions against food and waterborne infections, vector-borne diseases and offers the following suggestions to prevent their occurrence:
Safe Consumption Practices: Be sure to consume well-cooked foods and safe water sources to prevent infections such as hepatitis A, hepatitis E, and viral gastroenteritis.
wash thoroughly: Properly washing fruits and vegetables before consumption removes potential viral contaminants.
avoid stale food: Avoid stale or expired foods to prevent ingestion-based viral illnesses.
protective clothing: Wear full-sleeved cotton clothes to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, especially in areas prone to diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
mosquito repellent: Use mosquito repellents to keep mosquitoes away, especially during hours of peak activity.
remove breeding sites: Regularly inspect and eliminate stagnant water sources in and around homes to reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Dr Aditya Bang, physician and intensivist, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, says that fluctuations in weather are associated with an increase in various types of infections, be it the common cold or mosquito-borne infections.
To keep oneself and family members safe from such infections, one should take these simple precautions:
- Avoid entering an air-conditioned room immediately after coming from a hot environment.
- Avoid drinking cold water and beverages when returning from outside.
- Wear a mask in crowded places to avoid infection with viral diseases.
- Maintain good fluid intake every day (2.5 to 3 liters/day).
- Avoid contact with chronically ill people.
- Maintain good hand hygiene. It is important to wash hands before and after eating.
- Avoid taking cold water bath when returning from outside, let your body come back to room temperature.
- Keep your home and surroundings mosquito free.
- Use mosquito nets and repellents.
