The first monsoon showers have drenched the country after a long summer. As much as the rains are a welcome change, we can't ignore the host of health problems the season brings along with itself. The high humidity and unhygienic conditions only worsen the problem. Water and vector-borne diseases see an all-time high during the monsoon months. Stay prepared and watch out for these common illnesses during the rainy months.

1 Influenza (Flu)

One of the commonest illnesses seen during monsoons is influenza, known colloquially as flu. It's an upper respiratory tract infection, which affects the nose and the throat and is highly contagious in nature. Symptoms include a sore throat, throat irritation, body ache and fever. Although it's not a dangerous disease, it is highly inconveniencing and can make you miss work. To prevent the illness, pay special attention to your nutrition and have a diet rich in immune-strengthening foods. Maintain hygiene, wash your hands from time to time and avoid interacting with others who may have flu to minimise transmission of the disease.

2 Cholera

Waterborne diseases peak since the season increases the chances of water and food contamination. One of the commonest ailments during these months is cholera. Symptoms include gastric problems like severe diarrhoea. The stools become watery, causing dehydration, stomach cramps and an electrolyte imbalance. Children are especially at risk since diarrhoea can cause water and electrolyte loss, causing nutritional deficiencies and stunting in the long term. To prevent it from turning fatal, immediate treatment should be taken as soon as the first symptoms appear. Oral rehydration salts and plenty of fluids will help replace the lost electrolytes. It can be prevented by drinking boiled or bottled water and avoiding outside food.

3 Typhoid

Salmonella poisoning during monsoons can cause another deadly disease known as typhoid. Causes include consuming contaminated water or food. Symptoms of the disease can range from high fever, stomach ache, nausea and vomiting. Typhoid is particularly risky since the infection sometimes stays back in the gallbladder of the patient, long after he or she has recovered. The only way to prevent typhoid is to consume pure bottled or boiled water, following better sanitation.

4 Hepatitis A

An extremely contagious infection affecting the liver, hepatitis A is a waterborne viral disease. Like the others, the liver disease is also caused by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. However, the virus can also be transmitted through flies. During instances of flooding, drinking water often gets mixed human and animal wastes, containing pathogens. Improper handling of food can also cause the infection. Symptoms of hepatitis C include jaundice or yellowing of the eyes, skin and nails; darkening of the urine; stomach acne; loss of appetite; nausea; fever; diarrhoea and fatigue. A blood test can determine whether you have hepatitis or not. Treatment involves management of the disease by letting the liver heal. To prevent this deadly disease, follow hygiene while handling food and water.

5 Malaria

Vectors like mosquitoes particularly thrive in the monsoons because rains often cause water-logging. The conditions during the rains are favourable for mosquitoes to breed. Female Anopheles mosquito is the culprit that causes malaria by spreading protozoa like P. falciparum, P.v ivax, P. ovale and P. malariae. Symptoms of the disorder include fever, chills, body ache, sweating, etc. If its left untreated, it could lead to jaundice, anaemia and organ failure. Preventive measures should be taken against the mosquitoes by disinfecting stagnant water surfaces, wearing full-sleeved clothes and netting the windows. Antimalarial drugs can be taken as a precautionary measure.

6 Viral Fever

A sudden shift in weather conditions can trigger viral fever. Symptoms include fatigue, fever, body pain and shivering. It can last for almost a week and can subside gradually. Proper care should be taken to prevent viral fevers. It can be managed through fever medication and decongestants. The condition is self limiting and should go away on its own.

7 Gastroenteritis

The risk of gastroenteritis goes significantly up during the monsoons. The climatic conditions favour the growth of the bacteria which causes the stomach disease. The usual symptoms include stomach ache, nausea, vomiting and loose motions. Some cases are accompanied by fever. Hydration is an important factor to recover faster. A bland diet comprising rice, probiotics, fruit and fluids are important.

8 Leptospirosis

A potentially dangerous illness seen during the monsoons is leptospirosis. It is a zoonotic illness spread by rats and other animals whose urine may contain leptospires, the bacteria that causes leptospirosis. Flooding or water-logging situation raises the risk of leptospirosis since the collected water may be contaminated with rat urine. Once it is excreted in the urine, the bacteria can live for a long time in the water, soil or vegetation. Skin contact with the contaminated water can raise the risk of leptospirosis.

Children are particularly at risk since they play in puddles in the rain. Wearing closed shoes and limiting exposure to infected rainwater can help. Symptoms of the disease vary depending on the organ the bacteria attacks. Fatality can be as high as 40 percent. Consult your doctor and take two doses of Doxycycline if you have been wading in flood water for a long time.

Monsoons make you vulnerable to a wide array of health problems. A large number of infections can be prevented by following the proper hygiene protocol. Limiting consumption of outside food, drinking only boiled and bottled water, wearing protective footwear while stepping out in the rain and managing stagnant water sources can help to a large extent. It's important to pay attention to nutrition to prevent the diseases in the first place. Here's a list of diet tips you should follow this monsoon for a healthy constitution.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 10, 2018 05:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).