Every year, as the monsoon settles over Pune, the waiting rooms at clinics fill up with a predictable set of complaints. Waterlogging in parts of the city, stagnant puddles, humidity, and contaminated water all create ideal conditions for infections. Being aware of the common monsoon illnesses and taking a few practical precautions can save you and your family a lot of misery.
Mosquito-borne illnesses
Dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are the big three during the monsoon. Stagnant water in flowerpots, tyres, cooler trays, construction debris, and even bottle caps gives mosquitoes a breeding ground.
- Dengue typically presents with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, body aches, and sometimes a rash. Watch for warning signs such as persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding from gums or nose, and extreme fatigue, which need urgent medical attention.
- Malaria causes cyclical high fever with chills, body aches, and sweating. It is treatable, but delays can lead to complications.
- Chikungunya causes fever with severe joint pain that can persist for weeks to months after the infection has cleared.
Prevention is straightforward: do not let water stagnate in or around your home, use mosquito nets or repellents, wear full-sleeved clothing in the evenings, and keep windows screened.
Waterborne illnesses
Contaminated drinking water is a major monsoon hazard in many parts of Pune, especially where supply lines run near drainage or where water tankers are used.
- Typhoid: sustained high fever, headache, abdominal discomfort, and sometimes constipation or loose motions. It needs antibiotic treatment prescribed by a doctor.
- Hepatitis A: fever, jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin), dark urine, and fatigue. It spreads through contaminated water and food.
- Gastroenteritis: vomiting and loose motions from viral or bacterial contamination. Most cases are self-limiting with hydration, but severe dehydration needs medical help.
- Leptospirosis: transmitted through water contaminated with animal urine, especially after wading through floodwater. It causes high fever, body aches, and red eyes.
Drink only boiled or filtered water. Avoid street food and raw salads from outside during peak monsoon. Wash hands thoroughly before eating.
Respiratory infections
The combination of humidity, fluctuating temperatures, and being in enclosed spaces increases the spread of viral upper respiratory infections (the common cold and flu), as well as triggering asthma and allergic rhinitis in those who are prone.
- A viral cold with a runny nose, sore throat, and mild fever is usually self-limiting.
- If a cough persists beyond two weeks, if there is high fever, or if there is breathlessness, see a doctor to rule out a secondary bacterial infection or a more serious condition.
- People with asthma should keep their inhalers accessible and may need a preventive adjustment before the monsoon season.
Skin and fungal infections
Monsoon humidity plus damp clothes and shoes is a recipe for fungal growth on the skin.
- Ringworm, athlete's foot, and jock itch are common. Keep skin dry, change out of wet clothes promptly, and use clean, dry footwear.
- If you wade through floodwater, wash your feet with clean water and dry them thoroughly. Watch for any cuts or scratches that could become infected.
When to see a doctor
Most monsoon illnesses are manageable with timely treatment, but do not delay if you notice high fever lasting more than two or three days, any warning signs of dengue, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea especially in children or the elderly, jaundice, or wading through floodwater followed by high fever and body aches.
In an emergency, especially severe dehydration, difficulty breathing, or altered consciousness, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.
Being unwell during the monsoon can be isolating, especially if you are stuck at home. If prolonged illness is affecting your mood, support is available. You can reach the free national Tele-MANAS mental health helpline at any time on 14416 (or 1800-891-4416). If you or someone near you is in immediate danger, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.
A word from our clinic
I am Dr. Jayprakash Shirpurwar, an internal medicine specialist at Prudent International Health Clinic in Viman Nagar, Pune. During the monsoon we see a sharp rise in fevers, gut infections, and respiratory complaints. If you or a family member is unwell, do not self-medicate, especially with antibiotics. Come in for a proper evaluation so we can identify the cause and start the right treatment. We are open all 7 days, 9 AM to 9 PM, with walk-ins welcome. Call or WhatsApp us on +91 70287 22200. For current pricing, call the clinic on +91 70287 22200.
