After hot scorching summer heat, the monsoon brings the much needed relief by lowering the temperatures and pouring cool showers. However, monsoon, along with the solace carries a risk of waterborne diseases with typhoid fever being a significant concern. Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by the Salmonella typhi bacteria that spreads through contaminated food and water.
In an interaction with OnlyMyHealth, Dr Vimal Pahuja, Consultant General and Metabolic Physician, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, emphasised the importance of maintaining hygiene and safe food practices to combat typhoid during the rainy season.
Understanding Typhoid and its Transmission
Typhoid fever is a serious illness that can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. The bacteria responsible for typhoid enter the body through the ingestion of contaminated food or water. Once inside, they multiply and spread, leading to symptoms such as high fever, headache, constipation, and loss of appetite. Recognising these symptoms early and seeking immediate medical attention is crucial to prevent severe health issues.
Maintaining Hygiene
One of the simplest yet most effective measures to prevent typhoid is maintaining proper hygiene. Dr Pahuja advises, “Regularly washing your hands with soap and clean water, especially before meals or preparing food and after using toilets, is a simple yet effective measure to avoid typhoid.” This practice helps eliminate bacteria that may be present on your hands, thus reducing the risk of infection.
In addition to hand hygiene, personal cleanliness is essential. Taking a daily shower ensures that you remove any bacteria that might be present on your skin. Furthermore, keeping your living space clean and orderly minimises the spread of bacteria and other pathogens. It is particularly important to ensure that surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom are regularly cleaned and disinfected.
Also read: Here’s Why Is It Challenging To Diagnose Typhoid Fever
Ensuring Safe Drinking Water
Safe drinking water is paramount in preventing typhoid. Contaminated water is one of the primary sources of the bacteria. Dr Pahuja highlights the importance of ensuring that your drinking water is safe: “When boiled for about one minute, it kills harmful bacteria making it safe for consumption. If boiling is impossible, then use reliable water purifiers or filters instead.” By boiling water or using a certified purifier, you can significantly reduce the risk of ingesting harmful bacteria.
Practising Food Safety
Food safety is another critical aspect of preventing typhoid. Eating freshly cooked hot food reduces the chances of contamination. Avoiding street food, which is often prepared under unhygienic conditions, is advisable during the rainy season. Dr Pahuja recommends cooking food at home to ensure it is prepared in a clean environment. “It's best to cook food at home during this season instead of eating outside,” he suggests. By doing so, you have control over the cleanliness of the ingredients and the preparation process, reducing the risk of consuming contaminated food.
Also read: Typhoid Diet: Do’s And Don’ts For Recovery From Typhoid
Raising Awareness
Raising awareness about healthy habits concerning water usage and food safety within families is crucial. Every family member should be informed about the importance of these practices. Simple measures such as educating children about the importance of washing their hands, ensuring that water is boiled or filtered before consumption, and encouraging home-cooked meals can go a long way in preventing typhoid.
Recognising Symptoms and Seeking Medical Attention
Early recognition of typhoid symptoms is vital for prompt treatment. Symptoms like high fever, headache, constipation, and loss of appetite should not be ignored. Dr Pahuja stresses the need for instant medical attention if these symptoms appear: “Symptoms like fever, headache, constipation, and loss of appetite are signs of typhoid which need instant medical attention to avoid any serious issues.” Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and ensure a quicker recovery.
Conclusion
While the monsoon season brings relief and joy, it also necessitates extra caution to prevent waterborne diseases like typhoid. By maintaining proper hygiene, ensuring safe drinking water, practising food safety, raising awareness within families, and recognizing symptoms early, you can significantly reduce the risk of typhoid. Following these guidelines not only keeps you healthy but also helps in enjoying the rainy season without any health concerns.