Telangana govt. issues monsoon health advisory: Stay safe with these tips

HYDERABAD: The Telangana Health Department issued a monsoon health advisory on Tuesday to protect residents during the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons.

The department noted Indian Metrological Department (IMD)-Hyderabad's forecast predicting heavy rains likely in isolated places across Telangana, which could lower environmental temperatures and increase humidity, creating favorable conditions for various viral infections, mosquitoes, and waterborne diseases.

"As part of precautionary measures," said Dr. B Ravinder Nayak, Director of Public Health & Family Welfare for Telangana, "the government has made elaborate arrangements by providing special beds, IV fluids, and essential medicines at all public health facilities. ORS sachets are also available with ANMs, ASHAs, and Anganwadi workers to address any emergencies."

To against these risks, here are a few tips to stay healthy during the rainy season

Battling the Mosquito Menace to Fight Malaria, Dengue, and Chikungunya:

- Secure doors and windows with mosquito nets/screens. Promptly repair any holes in the net and keep windows and doors shut during mosquito breeding times (early morning and evening).

- Cover beds and cribs with preferably insecticide-treated mosquito nets with 156 holes per square inch, ensuring they are tucked securely.

- Ensure children wear light-colored clothes covering their arms and legs.

- Apply mosquito repellents (creams, lotions, roll-on sticks, body sprays) before going outdoors or during dawn and dusk. Avoid applying repellent to sensitive areas like hands, mouth, and eyes, and refrain from use if allergic.

- Use chemical mosquito repellents (liquid vaporizers, mats, coils, pest control sprays) cautiously due to potential health effects and keep them out of children's reach.

- Maintain drains to prevent water stagnation and cover septic tanks with mesh to prevent mosquito breeding.

- Observe a dry day every Friday to eliminate stagnant water around your house, including in discarded flower pots, cans, tires, buckets, coolers, ditches, and drains. Keep lawns trimmed short.

Preventing Waterborne Infections - Acute Gastroenteritis, Jaundice, and Typhoid:

- Drink filtered/boiled water from home or bottled water when outside.

- Wash hands frequently, especially before and after meals and restroom visits.

- Carry and use hand sanitizers regularly.

- Avoid eating raw, pre-cut, or uncovered food sold openly such as chaat, salads, fruits, and juices.

- Consume freshly prepared home-cooked food and avoid leftovers where possible.

Guarding Against Airborne Infections - Viral Fever, Conjunctivitis, and Influenza:

- Minimise contact (e.g., shaking hands), sharing food, water, and clothes with sick individuals.

- Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizers, particularly after touching public surfaces.

- Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing to prevent spreading infections to others.

- Use disposable tissues for coughs and colds, discarding them immediately after use.

- Seek medical attention at nearby government health facilities if experiencing flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, headache, sore throat, body pains, or conjunctivitis.

- In case of a health emergency, call 108 ambulance services.