Mumbai is no stranger to rainfall, but recent unprecedented showers have left citizens puzzled and unprepared. Dr Sanjeev Khanna, consultant gastroenterologist, Criticare Asia Multi Speciality Hospital and Holy Spirit Hospital, Andheri, suggests a 360-degree lens at keeping mind and body healthy during such unpredictable weather.

Dr Khanna says, "Common illnesses at this time are food- and waterborne ones: Gastroenteritis, Hepatitis, Typhoid, and Dysentery. Keep in mind the five Fs: Flies, Food, Fingers, Fomites, and Faeces."

Wading through dirty water and stepping into puddles is dangerous due to bacterial matter in these elements. Additionally, routinely being soaked in rain, and direct contact with various objects and people at this time, can cause illnesses like influenza, gastroenteritis, and others. File pics/Satej Shinde, Ashish Raje

A few ways to be mindful of these factors daily are: Being watchful with food intake, and avoiding items left open, particularly at street stalls; avoiding direct contact with objects that may carry bacteria, like others' handkerchiefs, or eating and drinking from shared utensils. "The general level of hygiene goes down during [rainy weather]," he says. "Also, stay away from areas with low air quality, like construction sites, which are aplenty in Mumbai."

Learn to differentiate

Knowing how to identify symptoms of certain common ailments during this time can speed up the treatment and recovery process

If you're using up boxes of tissues for a runny nose, it is likely a common cold; but if you suddenly fall ill with body aches and a high fever, with typical cold symptoms, it is the flu," Dr Khanna says. He further explains, "Many find it hard to tell apart [mosquito-related diseases]. Dengue and Chikungunya present as severe body aches; with Dengue, one can also have pain behind the eyes and during eye movement. Malaria is characterised by fluctuating, intermittent fevers and bodily shaking."

Mosquito menace

Rest is the best solution, particularly important amidst the buzz of activity that Mumbaikars experience on a daily basis

As rain provides a breeding ground for mosquitoes, Dr Khanna strongly suggests wearing covered clothing during this weather. "Avoid shorts and other clothes that expose the skin, mainly outdoors. Dengue and Chikungunya mosquitoes bite during the day, hence I advise people to use mosquito repellents during that time," he recommends. He adds that fresh water must not be left open anywhere inside or near homes, as mosquitoes thrive therein, saying, "In housing societies, any such areas should be fogged as well."

Watch your step

Mumbai rains bring with them numerous pothole puddles. Another common issue caused by walking through dirty water, Dr Khanna says, is Leptospirosis. "Dirty water contains urinary matter from animals and rodents. Hence, if this frequently occurs with a person [particularly during daily commutes], ensure you wash your feet with soap and water afterwards. Lab tests can quickly diagnose this disease and effective antibiotics are available," Dr Khanna explains.

Treatment tips

Dr Khanna stresses on the 'Rest is best' solution. "Avoid self-treatment at all cost; it is always better to visit a physician for diagnoses and medications," he warns, further emphasising, "Don't self-medicate with antibiotics; especially in cases of gastroenteritis; they are usually unnecessary. The backbone of this issue is proper hydration; the go-to should be oral hydration therapy. Further, use only paracetamol for fever and body pains, that too only with the right dosage; avoid other painkillers like Aspirin, Naproxen, and Diclofenac, as these can cause complications."

Prevention, not cure

"The best way to prevent all these issues is to improve your immunity. That is possible only through seven to eight hours of restful sleep daily, proper diet, maintaining your mental health, and getting some form of regular exercise," Dr Khanna signs off.

Homemade ORS

Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) may not always be readily available if one falls ill unexpectedly. Here is a short recipe for a homemade solution, which can work as a substitute until one has a store-bought ORS packet:

Oral Rehydration Solutions are a lifesaving option for multiple stomach issues

>>In a clean container, mix a combination of 1 litre of boiled and cooled water [rice water may be used as well]

>>Add 8 level teaspoons of sugar

>>Add half a teaspoon of common salt

>>Add lime, orange or carrot juice to the mixture [or even mashed ripe banana]