The Rain Can Affect More Than Just Your Mood
Aside from being cautious of your emotions, the high humidity and dropping temperatures during the rainy season can also lead to several diseases. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people become ill. What diseases should you be aware of? Find out here.
Acute Diarrhea
This is a common group of gastrointestinal infections, often caused by consuming food contaminated with microorganisms that affect the intestines. This includes diseases like dysentery, typhoid, and food poisoning.
Symptoms: Diarrhea with watery stools, possible fever, abdominal cramps, and in cases of dysentery, mucus or blood may be present in the stool. Recommendation: Eat hot food, use shared utensils with caution, and wash hands frequently.
Influenza
This is a common respiratory disease group, and currently, there are outbreaks of the new H3N2 influenza strain and avian flu, which originates from poultry. These viruses can mix with human influenza strains during the rainy season.
Symptoms: High fever, muscle aches, runny nose, and cough. Complications, particularly pneumonia, are common in high-risk patients. Recommendation: Use a mask, and wash hands frequently.
Leptospirosis (Rat Fever)
This infectious disease group is contracted through skin wounds or mucous membranes, commonly found in dogs or farm animals like pigs, cows, and buffaloes, as well as rodents. Those at risk include farmers, farm workers, freshwater fishermen, sewer workers, and those who wade through floodwaters.
Symptoms: Sudden high fever, headache, severe muscle pain in the calves and thighs, and red eyes. About 5-10% of cases may progress to severe symptoms, such as jaundice, kidney failure, or shock. Recommendation: Avoid wading in standing water, and wear boots.
Dengue Fever
This mosquito-borne disease is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, with over 80% found indoors, breeding in stagnant water. Other mosquito-related diseases to watch for include Japanese encephalitis and malaria.
Symptoms: In the early stages, symptoms resemble a general viral infection, with fever and body aches. There may be severe bone pain, with fever lasting 2-7 days, followed by abnormal bleeding, cold hands and feet, or shock. Recommendation: Apply mosquito repellent, stay away from mosquito-prone areas, and eliminate breeding grounds.
Additionally, if dirty water splashes into your eyes, it can cause conjunctivitis or pink eye. Prolonged exposure to dirty water can lead to fungal infections like athlete’s foot.
See a Doctor Immediately if You Have Suspicious Symptoms
As the rain begins and illness sets in, it’s best to consult a doctor before taking fever-reducing medications. Avoid aspirin, as it can be dangerous for certain diseases like dengue fever, influenza, and leptospirosis, which can be life-threatening.
Source: Thai Health Promotion Foundation
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