Monsoon Illness: 7-step checklist to beat flu, dengue, and other infections

As the rains bring a rise in flu, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya, doctors urge early action and prevention, share a practical guide to staying safe during monsoon — from flu shots to food hygiene and mosquito control. (Image: Pexels)

Health concerns like flu, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya tend to spike during the monsoon, especially affecting children, older adults, and people with weakened immunity. Doctors caution that what seems like “just a fever” can quickly spiral into something more serious.

People often dismiss the flu as a routine illness, but each year new strains appear, says Dr Gaurav Gupta, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai. “For children, seniors, or those with existing health conditions, it can turn dangerous very quickly.” Dr Gupta shares a simple seven-step checklist to help you stay safe this season.

Also Read: Dengue in Children: Early symptoms, risks, and how to protect your child this season

7-Step Checklist to Fight Flu and Monsoon Illnesses:

Build Your Shield
Eat nutritious food, get enough sleep, and get your flu shot. Children and seniors fall ill faster, so keeping immunity strong is your first line of defence.

Wash, Mask, Repeat
Handwashing, wearing a mask in crowded places, and using hand sanitizer may seem basic, but these cut your flu risk by almost half.

Eat Fresh, Skip the Street
Damp weather spoils food quickly. Avoid street-side chutneys or pre-cut fruits. Choose hot, freshly prepared meals instead.

Sip Safe Water
Drink only boiled, filtered, or packaged water. Say no to suspect ice. Contaminated water is a major cause of waterborne illnesses during the monsoon.

Sleep, Citrus, Strength
Prioritize seven to eight hours of sleep, eat a colourful mix of vegetables, and include citrus fruits like oranges or amla to boost natural immunity.

Clear the Water
Don’t let water stagnate in pots, buckets, or drains. Cover overhead tanks, remove puddles, and use mosquito nets or repellents to avoid mosquito-borne diseases.

Flu Shots Matter
Flu vaccines aren’t just for kids. Seniors and people with conditions like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease benefit significantly. While the vaccine may not block every infection, it makes the flu milder and far safer.

Also Read: 7 signs and symptoms of magnesium deficiency in your body

Know the Danger Signs:

• Flu: Fever, cough, sore throat, body aches
• Dengue: High fever, headache, low platelet count
• Chikungunya: Fever with severe joint pain or stiffness
• Malaria: Recurrent fever with chills and sweating

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for a specific health diagnosis.