Know The Difference Between Monsoon Diseases & Covid-19

Because of the change in weather, drop in humidity, waterlogging, mosquito breeding in the monsoon season, we have become more prone to infections and diseases. Diseases such as diarrhoea, cholera, dengue, typhoid, and other respiratory infections are very common Monsoon illnesses and most of the time these diseases are caused by waterborne and airborne viruses.

But as we are going through Covid-19 pandemic, it may seem difficult to most of us to distinguish between Covid infection and other monsoon illnesses. It is also very important to not only be aware about the distinction between these two but also to stay safe and healthy.

Infectious disease specialist of Fortis Hospital Dr Anita Mathew has said that when someone is infected with monsoon diseases, they unknowingly spread bacteria and viruses, which can infect another person. Bacteria and viruses enter in a healthy body through the hands, mouth, or nose. If you too close to an infected person, then the viruses can enter in your body. This is why  social distancing is very important in this time of Covid-19. With social distancing you need to use face masks and maintain your hygiene, to keep you safe from getting infected.      

We have listed down some of the common monsoon diseases and their symptoms:

The symptoms of Dengue are sudden and high fever, nausea and vomiting, severe body ache, low platelet count, eye pain, muscle, joint, bone pain and rashes. The symptoms of Malaria are fever, either daily or on every alternate day. You can feel severe body ache, chills, sweating and shivering. It can also cause you diarrhoea, mental confusion and a fast heart rate. The symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, dry cough, rash on skin or maybe discolouration of fingers or toes, aches and pains, difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath, tiredness, conjunctivitis, headache, loss of taste or smell, diarrhoea, sore throat, chest pain or pressure, loss of speech or movement.