New Delhi. Monsoon is welcomed by all but it brings along a whole lot diseases. Monsoon reduces the immunity of the body, said Dr KK Aggarwal, President Heart Care Foundation of India & MTNL Perfect Health Mela.

The diseases associated with monsoon are malaria, dengue, Chikungunya, jaundice including gastrointestinal infections like typhoid and cholera. Apart from these, viral infections like cold and cough also make their presence felt. Chikungunya patients, classically, have joint pains are relieved by flexing the limbs. Dengue, if not adequately managed, can be fatal in one to four percent of cases but chikungunya, through not fatal, can cause chronic debilitating joint pains that may last for years. Dengue management involves fluid resuscitation and not platelet resuscitation. Mortality can be reduced if enough fluids are given. The mortality period usually starts when the fever subsides. Inappropriate use of anti fever medicines can precipitate bleeding in dengue patients.

Puddles of water formed due to rain become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Contamination of drinking water is common. It is important to drink clean and pure water to prevent diarrhea and gastrointestinal infections.Walking in dirty water during rainy season may cause numerous fungal infections, which affect toes, and nails. Diabetic patients need to take special care of their feet. The feet should always be dry and clean. Avoid walking in dirty water. Keep the shoes, socks and raincoats dry and clean.

Precautions should to be taken to prevent dampness and growth of fungus (mold) on and around the house where asthmatic patients live. Avoid fumigation in case of asthmatic patients. During rains worms from below the soil come up to the surface and contaminate the surface vegetables. In the presence of weak digestive fire this can cause gastric disturbances. It is due to this reasons that community lunches and marriage are prohibited in this season. One should eat light foods. Consuming barley, rice and wheat is good. Water should be boiled before use. Adding ginger and green in daily diet is helpful. Eating warm food is the rule.