“Every rainy season, I always get sick” If you or people around you face this problem, listen to Dr. Suwannee Rattanachuwong, an internist at the General Medicine Clinic, Phyathai 3 Hospital, explain what diseases or conditions besides common ones like the flu can cause us to get sick or feel unwell.
Be careful of these 5 groups of diseases that come with the rain
Dr. Suwannee says the causes of common illnesses include
- Respiratory system diseases
Diseases to watch out for – common cold, influenza, bronchitis, pneumonia. Symptoms range from runny nose, cough, sore throat, loss of appetite. Some cases involve the infection invading the lower respiratory tract causing pneumonia. Patients will have severe cough and shortness of breath. It often occurs in children and the elderly. The main cause is viruses, with bacteria easily complicating the condition.
Prevention – Take good care of yourself to stay strong, get enough rest, avoid crowded places. If unavoidable, wear a mask to prevent infection and drink enough clean water.
- Gastrointestinal diseases
Diseases to watch out for – dysentery caused by bacteria, viral enteritis such as rotavirus, and food poisoning from contaminated food with viruses or bacteria. The rainy season’s humid weather is an ideal environment for germs. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, etc.
- Mosquito-borne diseases
Prevent mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites because these diseases can be life-threatening, including:
Dengue fever – caused by Aedes mosquitoes that lay eggs in stagnant water. Patients have high fever and severe headache for several days and should see a doctor promptly.
Japanese encephalitis (JE) – transmitted by Culex mosquitoes that breed in rice fields. Patients have fever, headache, vomiting, and may experience lethargy and seizures.
Malaria – transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes usually found in forests. Patients have high fever, chills, and anemia.
- Venomous animal bites
During the rainy season, stagnant water causes venomous animals such as snakes, centipedes, and scorpions to seek shelter near homes.
Prevention – Dress fully covered and avoid going out at night.
- Others
Leptospirosis – caused by bacteria living in contaminated soil and water. The bacteria enter through the skin when stepping on mud. Patients have sudden high fever, headache, calf pain, jaundice, and red eyes. It is common among farmers, field workers, and miners.
Conjunctivitis (red eye) – caused by viruses in dirty water splashing into the eyes.
Dermatitis and athlete’s foot – caused by fungi due to prolonged exposure to wet conditions.
As you can see, many diseases come with the rainy season. Therefore, always take care of your health and avoid situations that increase the risk of illness. Most importantly, if you experience any abnormal symptoms, do not self-medicate but see a doctor promptly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Internist
General Medicine Clinic, Phyathai 3 Hospital
