The monsoon season brings welcome relief from the summer heat, but it also increases the risk of infectious diseases, road accidents, and weather-related emergencies. According to Dr. Chetan Diliprao Bijwal, a combination of good hygiene, safe travel practices, and public awareness can significantly reduce the health risks associated with heavy rainfall.
One of the most important preventive measures during the monsoon is maintaining proper hand hygiene. Frequent handwashing with soap and clean water, especially before meals and after using the restroom, helps prevent the spread of viruses and bacteria. If soap and water are not readily available, alcohol-based hand sanitizers should be used.
Safe drinking water is equally important. People should consume only boiled, filtered, or properly purified water to reduce the risk of water-borne illnesses such as typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, and acute gastroenteritis. Food should be prepared hygienically, and consumption of food from unhygienic roadside vendors should be avoided during the rainy season.
Monsoon weather also favors the spread of viral respiratory infections. Individuals should cover their mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, avoid close contact with sick individuals, and wear a mask if experiencing flu-like symptoms in crowded places. A balanced diet, adequate hydration, sufficient sleep, and regular physical activity help strengthen immunity.
Dr. Bijwal also highlights the importance of preventing leptospirosis, a bacterial infection transmitted through water contaminated with the urine of infected animals, particularly rodents. People should avoid walking barefoot through floodwater or stagnant water. If exposure is unavoidable, waterproof boots and protective gloves should be worn. Any cuts or wounds should be covered with waterproof dressings before exposure, and the affected area should be washed thoroughly with soap and clean water immediately afterward.
Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are also common during the monsoon. Preventive measures include eliminating stagnant water around homes, using mosquito repellents, installing window screens, and sleeping under mosquito nets where required.
Apart from infections, heavy rainfall significantly increases the risk of accidents and structural hazards. Dr. Bijwal advises people to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in areas that are under red alert for heavy rainfall. If travel is essential, stay updated with official weather advisories and avoid flooded roads and waterlogged underpasses.
People should never take shelter under trees during thunderstorms, as lightning strikes and falling branches can be life-threatening. Similarly, shelter should not be sought under under-construction buildings, unstable structures, or very old bridges, as these may collapse due to heavy rain or weakened foundations.
Road safety is equally critical during the rainy season. Motorists should drive slowly, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, as roads become slippery due to rain and oil deposits. Two-wheeler riders should always wear ISI-certified helmets, while car occupants must use seat belts. Rash driving, speeding, and overtaking on wet roads should be strictly avoided, as they greatly increase the risk of accidents. Traffic signals and road safety rules should always be followed, regardless of weather conditions.
Signs and symptoms, especially fever, should always be taken seriously during the monsoon. Dr. Chetan Diliprao Bijwal advises that people should make an effort to identify the underlying cause of fever rather than assuming every fever is viral and treating it blindly. Fever may be caused by viral infections, bacterial infections, or diseases such as dengue, malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis, or pneumonia, each requiring a different approach to treatment. A proper medical evaluation, along with appropriate investigations such as blood tests, urine tests, chest X-rays, or other relevant diagnostic tests, helps determine the exact cause. Antibiotics should not be taken unless there is clear medical indication based on clinical assessment and investigations. Unnecessary or indiscriminate use of antibiotics not only fails to treat viral infections but also contributes to the growing global problem of antimicrobial (antibiotic) resistance, making future bacterial infections more difficult to treat.
Dr. Chetan Diliprao Bijwal emphasizes that while the monsoon is a season to be enjoyed, preparedness and responsible behavior are the strongest safeguards. By maintaining personal hygiene, consuming safe food and water, preventing mosquito bites, avoiding contaminated floodwater, following weather advisories, practicing responsible road safety, and seeking timely medical evaluation for fever or other concerning symptoms, individuals can protect themselves and their families from preventable illnesses and accidents during the rainy season.
By Dr. Chetan Diliprao Bijwal
Consultant, Emergency Medical Services, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital, Mumbai