Dr. Haroon Hussain shares expert advice on preventing monsoon diseases in an exclusive VB interview
The arrival of the monsoon season brings with it a mixed bag of emotions. While the refreshing rains provide relief from the scorching heat, they also usher in a host of health challenges. The increased humidity and waterlogged surroundings create ideal breeding grounds for disease-causing pathogens, leading to a spike in illnesses. In coastal regions like Mangaluru, these challenges are particularly pronounced due to the geographical location and proximity to water bodies.
Amidst this backdrop, Dr. Haroon Hussain, a renowned physician working at KMC Hospital in Mangaluru, provides valuable insights into the prevention and management of monsoon-related diseases. In a interview with Vartha Bharati, Dr. Haroon shared his expertise on the most common diseases that afflict the region during this season, stressing the importance of personal protection, special care for vulnerable populations, and the role of nutrition and hygiene in maintaining good health.
In this comprehensive interview, Dr. Haroon delves into the modes of transmission, key symptoms, and signs of prevalent diseases such as vector-borne infections like malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. He also highlights the risks associated with water contamination, leading to diseases like typhoid fever, stomach flu, and diarrhea. By raising awareness about these diseases, Dr. Haroon aims to empower individuals to identify early warning signs and seek prompt medical attention when necessary.
Excerpts from the interview with Dr. Haroon Hussain (MBBS, MD) on measures to prevent and reduce risks of diseases during monsoon:
Q. The arrival of monsoons aggravates several kinds of diseases. Which are the most common ones that you think people should be aware of, especially in coastal regions like Mangaluru?
Dr. Haroon: In this geographical location, the most frequently observed diseases are vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue. Additionally, we also come across chikungunya, which is spread by mosquitoes.
Q. What are the primary modes of transmission for these diseases?
Dr. Haroon: Vector-borne diseases are transmitted through the bite of insects like mosquitoes or fleas. Diseases can also spread due to water contamination, resulting in typhoid fever, stomach flu, and diarrhea.
Q. What are the key symptoms and signs that individuals should be aware of to identify these diseases?
Dr. Haroon: Each disease has its own set of symptoms, but fever is generally a common indication of infection. For instance, flu symptoms typically involve throat pain, difficulty in swallowing, sneezing, coughing, fever, body ache, and joint pain. Malaria and dengue can cause extreme sickness, with symptoms like low platelet count, bleeding, vomiting, and dehydration. Cholera manifests symptoms related to the digestive system, including watery diarrhea and severe dehydration.
Q. Which specific contagious diseases are expected to be of concern in our city during the monsoon season?
Dr. Haroon: Leptospirosis, locally known as "ili jvara" or rat fever, is one of the most common diseases in rain-ravaged areas. People can get infected by coming in contact with the urine of carriers of this disease, which are primarily rodents. Walking barefoot or having cuts and abrasions on the skin can increase the risk of transmission. This disease can be life-threatening, so it's important to wear footwear that prevents water from coming in contact with the feet, as rainwater and sewage water may be contaminated by the carriers of the disease.
Q. As viral fever is generally known to be self-limiting, when should people who are infected seek professional medical help?
Dr. Haroon: It is difficult to determine the infection without a proper diagnosis. It's always better to consult a doctor rather than presuming the illness. Infected individuals should watch out for red flag signs, such as extreme tiredness, changes in consciousness, blood in urine or stools, inability to eat, headache, and vomiting. People with underlying health conditions should not take any fever lightly and should seek immediate medical attention.
Q. How important is vaccination in preventing contagious diseases during the monsoon season? Should influenza vaccines and measles vaccines be taken during monsoon to prevent infection?
Dr. Haroon: Influenza vaccines are highly recommended, and I suggest consulting a medical expert before taking them. Additionally, pneumococcal and typhoid vaccines can also be considered, but not everyone requires them. Only individuals at high risk of severe manifestations of certain diseases should consider them after consulting with their doctor.
Q. What dietary measures will you suggest to boost immunity during monsoon?
Dr. Haroon: The most important ways to boost immunity are by drinking boiled and cooled water, consuming freshly cooked food while avoiding outside food, and washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Practicing proper hand hygiene, avoiding crowded places, and following appropriate food handling and preparation practices are also vital in preventing the spread of infections.
Q. As children are most prone to contagious diseases, what extra measures should be considered?
Dr. Haroon: Parents should ensure that their kids carry a proper umbrella and preferably send an extra pair of clothes in case they get wet in the rain. It's better if children wear covered clothing and waterproof footwear. Furthermore, children should be taught proper handwashing techniques, and if they exhibit any symptoms, they should not be sent to school to prevent the spread of infection.
Q. As malaria is endemic in Mangaluru, what are the countermeasures to be taken to keep ourselves safe?
Dr. Haroon: : To prevent mosquito bites, personal protection measures should be followed, including wearing covered clothing. Special care must be given to vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. It's crucial to eliminate any mosquito breeding sources near your house. Coming together as a community and volunteering to solve the issue or informing the civic authorities can make a significant difference.
End of excerpts
Dr. Haroon Hussain's insights and recommendations on preventive measures during the monsoon season are invaluable for individuals and communities in coastal regions like Mangaluru. As we enter this season, it is crucial to be aware of the common diseases and their modes of transmission. By following Dr. Haroon's advice on personal protection, hygiene practices, and nutrition, we can significantly reduce the risks of infections.
The COVID-19 pandemic has taught us the importance of preparedness, and Dr. Haroon emphasizes this lesson in the context of monsoon-related diseases. His call for community engagement and volunteering to tackle disease outbreaks resonates strongly, underscoring the collective responsibility we have in safeguarding public health.
By being proactive, seeking medical attention when needed, and following vaccination recommendations, we can mitigate the impact of contagious diseases.
In conclusion, Dr. Haroon Hussain's expertise and recommendations serve as a guide for individuals, families, and communities to stay healthy and prevent disease outbreaks during the monsoon season. Let us heed his advice, adopt preventive measures, and work together to make this monsoon a season of good health and well-being for all.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Real Madrid fines Valverde and Tchouaméni half a million euros each for altercation
Barcelona (AP): Real Madrid slapped players Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni with half-a-million-euro ($588,000) fines on Friday for their altercation during practice.
The massive fines came a day after the midfielders tussled when the team trained. Valverde said in a post on social media on Thursday that no punches were thrown. But Valverde knocked his head on a table and he suffered a small cut that required a brief hospital visit.
On social media, Valverde initially called it a “meaningless fight” with a teammate and said “everything has been blown out of proportion."
His employers, however, considered it a significant enough breach of team discipline to nail both Valverde and Tchouaméni with fines that bite even the bank account of a top soccer player. The half-a-million euro penalties reflect the reputational damage the club was enduring in a chaotic end to a disappointing season.
In a statement, the 15-time European champion said its disciplinary action was concluded after both players expressed to the club “their complete remorse for what happened and apologized to one another.”
Madrid added they also apologized to their teammates, the coaching staff and club supporters, as well as showing their willingness to accept whatever disciplinary action the club deemed “opportune.”
Tchouaméni was back training with Madrid on Friday, two days before they play at Barcelona in a clasico. Madrid has to win otherwise Barcelona will be crowned La Liga champion.
After being notified of the fine, he posted a public apology to the club and its fans on social media.
“What happened this week in training is unacceptable,” Tchouaméni wrote. "I say this while thinking about the example we are expected to set for young people, whether in football or at school.
“Above all, I am sorry for the image we projected of the club.”
Valverde was not at practice due to the head knock.
Both players are set to play in the World Cup next month, with Tchouaméni playing for France and Valverde for Uruguay.
Chaotic end to a poor season
===================
The run-in between the players, who for seasons have played side by side in Madrid's midfield, came after they argued this week in previous training sessions. But tempers boiled over on Thursday. Spanish media was rife with reports that the players previously disagreed over the club's decision to let coach Xabi Alonso go after just months on the job.
It was not the only altercation involving Madrid players during training this week. Álvaro Carreras confirmed he was in a “minor” incident with a teammate. Spanish media said he and fellow defender Antonio Rüdiger got into a scuffle.
Álvaro Arbeloa, the coach who was promoted from Madrid's reserve team when Alonso was fired in January, will face tough questions on what went wrong inside the changing room when he gives a press conference on Saturday ahead of the clasico at Camp Nou.
Madrid is facing a second consecutive campaign without a major trophy amid rumors in the Spanish media that club president Florentino Pérez is considering bringing back Jose Mourinho to straighten out his underperforming team.
