Dealing with Seasonal Illnesses

Hi kids! Do you know at times, certain diseases appear to be seasonal in nature? You bet! These diseases are thus called seasonal diseases. Let's learn a little bit about them and have all seasons in full swing. In this blog, we will learn what seasonal diseases are, present a list of common seasonal illnesses, and discuss how you can protect yourself from them during the rainy season in India. Let's begin!

WATCH: 7 things to know about treating Seasonal Affective Disorder

What Are Seasonal Diseases?

Seasonal diseases are those infections which occur in higher prevalence at specific periods of the year. They can be due to weather, moisture, or the presence of certain allergens and pathogens. Other seasons may cause types of diseases; therefore, knowing them will help you take the right measures to avoid getting infected.

Why Do Seasonal Diseases Emerge?

Seasonal diseases often are caused by the following factors:

Change in Weather: Extreme drops or rises in the temperature render the body vulnerable to a wide range of diseases as it takes some time to adjust to the variations.

Humidity: It is very high in India and a majority of the rainfall seasons accompany it. Thus, the instances of bacteria and viruses spread rapidly .

Allergens: Seasonal allergy The body gets adversely affected due to widespread appearance of pollen of flowers during spring or dust during dry season.

Increased Exposures. Sometimes we have more hours indoors in some seasons and there are people around us, therefore the increased opportunity of spreading germs

Common Seasonal Diseases in India

India has different climatic conditions, and the seasonal diseases occurring vary from region to region. Here is a list of common seasonal diseases you may experience throughout the year

1. Cold and Flu

When: Basically, winter and rainy seasons

Symptoms: Runny nose, cough, fever, muscle aches

Prevention: Keep washing hands constantly, keep warm, and do not get too close to the sick.

2. Dengue Fever

When: During rainy season

Symptoms: Highly feverish, heavy headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain

Prevention: Use repellents and cover more skin to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes. Remove all areas of standing water near your home.

3. Malaria

When: This is common during the rainy season.

Effects include fever, shivers, sweating, and headache.

Prevention: Sleep in mosquito nets and apply repellents during outing.

4. Seasonal Allergies

When: Spring and autumn

Symptoms: Sneezing, itchy eyes, running nose

Prevention: Keep indoors on high pollen days and not to open windows.

5. Gastroenteritis (Stomach Flu)

When: Usually during rainy seasons

Symptoms: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Stomach cramps

Prevention: Frequent hand washings and avoid contaminated food and water.

6. Chickenpox

When: Commonly occurs in winter

Symptoms: Itchy rash, Fever

Prevention: Vaccinate. Avoid close contact with infected individuals.

7. Typhoid Fever

When: All seasons, especially during rainy periods

Symptoms: Persistent high fever, easily tired, headache

Prevention: Use water safely, maintain hygiene

8. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

When: During rainy periods

Symptoms: Painful red eyes with a yellowish discharge

Prevention: Stop rubbing your eyes and observe proper hand hygiene.

9. Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

When: It usually occurs during the last part of summer to early fall.

Symptoms: Mouth ulcers, rash on hands and feet

Prevention: Use personal hygiene such as hand washing and avoid people with the disease.

10. Respiratory Infections

When: Very likely during wet season and winter

Symptoms: Cough, sore throat, high fever

Prevention: Good hygiene and avoiding congested places during an outbreak.

How to Keep Healthy Through the Seasons

Now that you know the list of seasonal diseases, let's talk about some precautions on keeping one's body away from these seasonal diseases. Here are several tips on how to keep healthy:

1. Hand Washing

Among the many easy and effective ways of staying safe from getting an illness, those about their hand washing consist of washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when one has been playing outside, gone to the restroom, or before eating.

2. Maintain Healthy Food

Eat a wellbalanced diet. This will stimulate your immune system. Include fruits and vegetables in your diet because they are the richest sources of vitamins and minerals that strengthen your power against infectioncausing agents. Special ones include oranges, spinach, or yogurt.

3. Drink plenty of fluids.

While in the hot and rainy seasons, much intake of water is needed. Hydration enables the body to carry out several processes in it and also regulates many diseases. You should ensure that you drink at least eight cups of water daily. 

4. Quantity of Sleep

Rest is one of the main ways by which your body recharges and fights off infections. Sleep for at least 8 to 10 hours each night according to age. A good night's sleep will keep you healthy and full of energy.

5. Be Active

Being physically active will also give you a strong immune system so you can be healthy. Try to play outside, ride a bike, or dance. Try targeting exercising for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

6. Avoid crowded places

For instance, it is quite logical not to visit crowded destinations, especially during flu season or any epidemic. If you still need to leave the flat, never forget to wear a mask and take care of hygiene.

7. Vaccination

You should update yourself with all vaccinations. Vaccination may save you from some serious diseases such as chickenpox, influenza, or typhoid. You may discuss the same with your parents and get vaccinated as per your needs

8. Stay Dry

With the rain, you'll feel wet and cold. Viruses from wet clothes easily cause colds and other illnesses so make sure to wear waterproof gear when outside and immediately change clothes if drenched

How to Cope with Seasonal Diseases

If you catch a seasonal disease, here is how you can take care of yourself

1. Rest and Recover

Rest more when you are not feeling well to be able to fend off the infection. Lie down and rest through the day to recover well.

2. Hydrate

Drink plenty of fluids. You can drink water, herbal tea, or clear broth. Hydration will recover your body faster than dehydrating it.

3. Eat Light and Nutritious Foods

And if you feel pretty good, you should be consuming light and healthy foodssoups and fruits and toast as these don't give an extra sting in the stomach. Heavy, greasy foods really make you feel worse.

4. Doctor's Advice

If you are pretty unwell, then you should go to a doctor. He may advise you and prescribe medicines that might help you recover more quickly. So always watch what they say.

5. Keep Clean

Good hygiene habits include washing hands frequently and, obviously covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing. This way, one would not pass on the germs to other persons.

6. Stay at Home

If you are ill, just stay at school or in the workplace, rest and regain your strength instead of passing it on to people you are around.

Cool Facts About Seasonal Diseases

• Do you know why some diseases like flu easily spread among many in crowded places when winter is approaching?

• Dengue fever is popularly known as "breakbone fever" because of the severe pain experienced because of the disease that spreads to the muscles and joints.

• Seasonal allergies strike millions of children as flowers start blooming in spring!

Conclusion

It's quite a challenge to manage seasonal diseases, but knowledge and proper body habit can keep it away 365 days of the year. So, wash those hands, eat nutritious food, be active and listen to your body. And if you do fall sick, take your time and recuperate well.

Having an awareness of seasonal diseases in India and how to maintain a protective distance, you can relish each of the seasons to the fullest. The year is full of fun when one gets aware of everything at hand. Live happy, live healthy, and let's go have fun all year round.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy life! ???

MCQs

1) How can you help remove seasonal viruses?

A. Only by taking medication, no other measures needed  

B. By sleeping well, staying hydrated, and consulting a doctor for medicine if needed  

C. By avoiding hydration and only focusing on diet  

D. Ignoring symptoms until they worsen  

Correct Answer: B. By sleeping well, staying hydrated, and consulting a doctor for medicine if needed

2) How can you avoid getting infected this season?

A. Avoid hygiene practices to build natural immunity  

B. Prioritize a balanced diet, practice good hygiene, and get vaccinated  

C. Only use vitamins and supplements  

D. Avoid outdoor activities altogether  

Correct Answer: B. Prioritize a balanced diet, practice good hygiene, and get vaccinated

3) What can help prevent seasonal diseases?

A. Frequently washing hands, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle  

B. Avoiding handwashing to build immunity  

C. Keeping windows closed all the time  

D. Only eating vegetables without other lifestyle changes  

Correct Answer: A. Frequently washing hands, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle

4) How can you "win" against seasonal fever?

A. Ignore it and continue daily activities  

B. Rest, stay hydrated, take feverreducing medication, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist  

C. Exercise more to fight it off faster  

D. Wait to see if it naturally fades without treatment  

Correct Answer: B. Rest, stay hydrated, take feverreducing medication, and consult a doctor if symptoms persist

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