• Published on: Jun 04, 2025
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Secondmedic Expert

Diseases Spreading In Rainy Season In India: Prevention & Tests

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The rainy season in India brings much-needed relief from the summer heat, refreshing greenery, and a cool breeze. However, it also brings with it a spike in waterborne, airborne, and vector-borne diseases. Puddles of stagnant water, humid weather, and poor hygiene practices during monsoons create ideal conditions for the spread of various infections.

This blog will explore the common diseases that spread during the rainy season in India, their symptoms, preventive tips, and important diagnostic tests you should consider to protect yourself and your family.

Why the Rainy Season Increases Disease Risk?

The monsoon season creates an environment perfect for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes to thrive. Here's why diseases spread more in the rainy season:

  • Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

  • Contaminated drinking water spreads gastrointestinal infections.

  • Humidity and dampness encourage fungal and respiratory infections.

  • Poor drainage systems and waterlogging in urban areas worsen sanitation.
     

Understanding these risk factors helps in planning better prevention strategies.

Common Diseases Spreading in Rainy Season in India

1. Dengue

  • Cause: Aedes aegypti mosquito bite

  • Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, joint pain, skin rashes, and bleeding gums

  • Complications: In some cases, dengue can become hemorrhagic and life-threatening.
     

2. Malaria

  • Cause: Plasmodium parasite via Anopheles mosquito

  • Symptoms: Fever with chills, vomiting, headache, and muscle pain

  • Complications: Severe malaria can affect the brain, lungs, and kidneys.
     

3. Chikungunya

  • Cause: Aedes mosquitoes

  • Symptoms: Sudden fever, joint swelling, skin rash, and fatigue

  • Complications: Joint pain may last for weeks or months.
     

4. Leptospirosis

  • Cause: Bacteria from water contaminated with animal urine

  • Symptoms: Fever, muscle pain, red eyes, and vomiting

  • Complications: Liver or kidney damage if untreated
     

5. Typhoid

  • Cause: Salmonella typhi via contaminated food or water

  • Symptoms: Weakness, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, and high fever

  • Complications: Intestinal bleeding or perforation in severe cases
     

6. Cholera

  • Cause: Vibrio cholerae bacteria through unhygienic food and water

  • Symptoms: Diarrhea, dehydration, and leg cramps

  • Complications: Severe dehydration can lead to death if not treated
     

7. Viral Fever and Flu

  • Cause: Airborne viruses

  • Symptoms: Sore throat, cough, body aches, and high temperature

  • Complications: In rare cases, respiratory complications can develop
     

8. Fungal Infections

  • Cause: Prolonged exposure to damp clothes and shoes

  • Symptoms: Itchy skin, rashes, and discolored nails

  • Complications: If neglected, skin infections may worsen
     

Prevention Tips for Monsoon Diseases

  1. Use Mosquito Protection
     

    • Install mosquito nets and screens.

    • Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothing.

    • Avoid water stagnation around your home.
       

  2. Drink Clean and Boiled Water
     

    • Always boil or filter your drinking water.

    • Avoid ice from roadside vendors.
       

  3. Eat Fresh & Home-Cooked Food
     

    • Avoid street food, raw salads, and cut fruits.

    • Ensure fruits and vegetables are washed thoroughly.
       

  4. Maintain Personal Hygiene
     

    • Bathe daily and wear dry clothes.

    • Change wet socks and shoes quickly.
       

  5. Avoid Walking in Flood Water
     

    • This prevents skin infections and leptospirosis.

    • Use rain boots and sanitize your feet after exposure.
       

  6. Disinfect Surfaces
     

    • Regularly clean high-touch surfaces in the home.

    • Use disinfectants to clean water tanks and bathrooms.
       

  7. Get Vaccinated Where Applicable
     

    • Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and flu vaccines are recommended before monsoon.
       

Important Diagnostic Tests for Monsoon Diseases

It’s crucial to detect infections early. If you experience persistent fever, vomiting, or body pain, consult a doctor immediately. Here are some important tests you can book online through platforms like SecondMedic:

  1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Helps detect infections and inflammation.

  2. Dengue NS1 Antigen & IgM Test – Confirms dengue diagnosis.

  3. Malaria Antigen Test – Detects malaria parasites.

  4. Widal Test – Checks for typhoid fever.

  5. Leptospira IgM Test – Detects leptospirosis bacteria.

  6. Stool & Urine Routine Tests – Essential for gastrointestinal and urinary infections.

  7. CRP & ESR Tests – Indicates the presence of inflammation.
     

Many of these tests are available at home via sample collection through trusted partners like Thyrocare, making it easy to stay safe without stepping out.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

  • Children – Weaker immune systems

  • Senior citizens – Vulnerable to complications

  • Pregnant women – Need extra caution

  • People with chronic diseases – Diabetes, asthma, heart conditions
     

For these groups, regular health checkups and early testing can prevent serious issues.

Final Thoughts

The rainy season, while beautiful, brings several health challenges. With the right precautions and timely medical tests, most of these monsoon-related diseases can be avoided or treated early. Ensure you and your loved ones are prepared with a clean environment, safe drinking water, and mosquito control measures.

If you're experiencing symptoms or want to book preventive health tests from the comfort of your home, platforms like SecondMedic provide trusted and affordable diagnostic services, powered by labs like Thyrocare.

Stay healthy and safe this monsoon! Be proactive with your health and book early diagnostic checkups to combat Diseases Spreading in Rainy Season in India: Prevention & Tests.

Read FAQs


A. Dengue and malaria are among the most common diseases due to increased mosquito breeding in stagnant water during monsoons.

A. Drink only filtered or boiled water, avoid street food, maintain hygiene, and regularly wash hands before meals.

A. High fever, chills, joint pain, headache, and skin rashes are common early signs. If you notice these, get tested immediately.

A. Some, like flu and viral fevers, are contagious. Others, like malaria and dengue, spread through mosquitoes, not person-to-person.

A. If you have persistent fever, body ache, vomiting, or diarrhea lasting more than 2 days, consult a doctor and book relevant diagnostic tests.

Read Blog
breath

Shortness of Breath Causes: From Common Triggers to Serious Health Conditions

Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is a symptom that ranges from mild discomfort during exertion to a distressing sensation of not getting enough air. In India, increasing air pollution, lifestyle diseases and respiratory infections have made breathlessness a frequent complaint across age groups. Understanding shortness of breath causes is essential to identify when it is harmless and when it signals a medical emergency.

 

What Is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath refers to difficulty breathing or a feeling of air hunger.

It may present as:

  • rapid breathing

  • shallow breathing

  • tightness in the chest

  • inability to take a deep breath

The sensation can develop suddenly or gradually.

 

Common and Benign Causes of Shortness of Breath

Physical Exertion

During exercise, the body demands more oxygen.

Temporary breathlessness during:

  • climbing stairs

  • running

  • heavy physical work

is normal and resolves with rest.

 

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Stress and anxiety alter breathing patterns.

Symptoms include:

  • rapid breathing

  • chest tightness

  • dizziness

These episodes often resolve with calming techniques.

 

Respiratory Causes of Shortness of Breath

Asthma

Asthma causes airway narrowing and inflammation.

Symptoms include:

  • wheezing

  • chest tightness

  • breathlessness during exertion or at night

Asthma is a leading cause of chronic breathlessness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Risk factors include:

  • smoking

  • indoor air pollution

  • occupational exposure

WHO identifies COPD as a major cause of breathlessness in adults.

 

Respiratory Infections

Infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis reduce lung capacity.

Breathlessness may be accompanied by:

  • cough

  • fever

  • chest pain

Severe infections require urgent treatment.

 

Heart-Related Causes of Shortness of Breath

Heart Failure

The heart fails to pump blood efficiently.

This leads to:

  • fluid accumulation in lungs

  • breathlessness on exertion

  • breathlessness while lying flat

ICMR data shows heart disease as a major contributor to unexplained breathlessness.

 

Coronary Artery Disease

Reduced blood supply to the heart can cause:

  • breathlessness

  • chest discomfort

  • fatigue

This may occur even without chest pain in some individuals.

 

Blood and Metabolic Causes

Anemia

Low hemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery.

Common symptoms include:

  • fatigue

  • breathlessness on mild activity

  • pale skin

NFHS-5 highlights anemia as highly prevalent in India.

 

Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic demand, causing breathlessness.

Hypothyroidism may contribute indirectly through weight gain and reduced stamina.

 

Lung Circulation Disorders

Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot in the lungs causes sudden, severe breathlessness.

This is a medical emergency and may be accompanied by:

  • chest pain

  • coughing blood

  • fainting

Immediate treatment is critical.

 

Lifestyle-Related Causes

Obesity

Excess body weight restricts lung expansion.

Breathlessness occurs due to:

  • increased oxygen demand

  • reduced lung volumes

Weight management improves breathing efficiency.

 

Sedentary Lifestyle

Poor physical conditioning reduces respiratory muscle strength.

Even mild exertion may cause breathlessness.

 

Environmental and Occupational Factors

Air Pollution

Pollutants irritate airways and reduce lung function.

Urban populations experience higher rates of breathlessness.

Workplace Exposure

Dust, chemicals and fumes increase respiratory risk.

Protective measures are essential in high-risk occupations.

When Shortness of Breath Is a Warning Sign

Seek urgent care if breathlessness:

  • starts suddenly

  • worsens rapidly

  • occurs at rest

  • is associated with chest pain, bluish lips or confusion

These may indicate life-threatening conditions.

 

How Shortness of Breath Is Diagnosed

Evaluation may include:

  • physical examination

  • chest imaging

  • blood tests

  • lung function tests

  • heart evaluation

Diagnosis focuses on identifying the root cause.

 

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Care

Prevention includes:

  • regular physical activity

  • pollution protection

  • smoking cessation

  • weight control

  • managing chronic conditions

Preventive healthcare reduces long-term risk.

 

Importance of Early Medical Evaluation

Delayed diagnosis can worsen outcomes, especially in:

  • heart disease

  • lung infections

  • anemia

Early care improves treatment success.

 

Conclusion

Shortness of breath causes range from temporary exertion and anxiety to serious heart, lung and blood disorders. While occasional breathlessness may be harmless, persistent or sudden symptoms should never be ignored. Understanding the underlying causes and seeking timely medical evaluation can prevent complications and save lives. Paying attention to changes in breathing is an essential step toward protecting overall health and wellbeing.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory and Cardiac Health Reports

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Breathlessness and Chronic Disease Guidelines

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia and Respiratory Health Data

  • Lancet – Dyspnea Evaluation and Outcomes Research

  • NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Reports

  • Statista – Respiratory Disease and Air Pollution Trends

See all

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