Common Seasonal Diseases And How To Protect Yourself From Them

You may have heard of the term 'seasonal disease' before. It is used to describe illnesses that usually strike during specific times of the year. While this is a widely-used term, it may also refer to the common cold, the flu, or even allergies.

It is a fact that millions of people all over the world are unaware that there are different types of seasonal diseases that can strike at any time. As a matter of fact, most people don't even know they are susceptible to such diseases and thus find it difficult to fight against them. The only way to be sure that you are protected is by having first-hand knowledge of these diseases and how to protect yourself from them.

Summer

The common summer diseases include mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, stomach issues like food poisoning, flu, water-borne diseases like typhoid and jaundice, chickenpox, heatstroke, and sunburn.

Avoid these by taking the following precautions:

  • Wash your hands often and thoroughly
  • Ensure that leftover food has been refrigerated as soon as you are done eating
  • Don’t eat at unhygienic places
  • Only drink boiled or bottled water
  • Avoid those who have contracted viral infections such as flu and chickenpox
  • Avoid going out between 11:30 am to 4:30 pm or use a thick umbrella. Cover yourself with a hat or scarf
  • Spray your home regularly to prevent mosquitos
Winter

Winter seasonal diseases include flu, cold, cough, bronchitis, and dry and itchy skin issues. They can be avoided by:

  • Wash your hands with antibacterial handwash and water
  • Avoid people who have a viral infection
  • Have a healthy diet for better immunity
  • Consider the flu vaccine if you are pregnant or have heart and lung disease, asthma or diabetes. Those below 12 and over 65 years should also consider getting a shot
  • Moisturise regularly
Monsoon

The monsoon season brings a lot of diseases. There is an increased chance of diseases like chikungunya, malaria, typhoid, dengue, cholera, Hepatitis A, conjunctivitis, stomach infections, and viral fever.

Take the following precautions to reduce the risk of getting these diseases:

  • Ensure that there are no stagnant pools of water to prevent mosquitos from breeding.
  • Use insect repellents when going out, especially if it’s rainy.
  • Wash hands with soap and water before eating
  • Don’t eat at unhygienic places
  • Drink bottled or boiled water
  • Avoid people who have contracted a viral disease