Monsoon has arrived, bringing refreshing rains and soothing respite from the unbearable, sweltering hot summer. However, this season also invites a spectrum of health woes, especially monsoon flu. 

Rainy weather and flu go hand in hand. Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. During the monsoon season, the changes in temperature and humidity make it easier for the influenza virus to spread and, hence, cause respiratory problems, fever, sore throat, body aches, etc. 

In this article, you can learn what causes flu in the monsoon, symptoms to watch out for, and tips to prevent and treat it.

Flu: What is it?

Flu also referred to as influenza, is a respiratory illness an individual can get from the influenza virus. It’s an infection of the throat, nose, and lungs, which are the parts of the respiratory system. Among many types of viral fever, you are most likely to have flu during the rainy season due to changes in humidity levels and temperature. 

Flu Symptoms to Watch Out For

Determining whether you have the flu, this monsoon is easy. You just need to have a basic understanding of the common symptoms of this respiratory illness. Here listed are the flu symptoms you should watch out for:

• Fever
• Chills
• Dry, chesty cough
• Headache
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Tiredness or feeling run down
• Limb or joint pain
• Runny or blocked nose
• Sneezing
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhoea, upset stomach, or vomiting

Knowing the Causes of Monsoon Flu

Different types of influenza viruses, including type A, type B, or rarely the type C virus, cause the flu. Only types A and B are known to cause major outbreaks and severe flu, while type C contributes to illnesses in kids that are similar to the common cold.

People can catch flu all year round but are more likely to get infected during winter and rainy seasons. 

Talking about the monsoon season, it’s known for fluctuations in humidity levels and temperature and prolonged periods of dampness. All these conditions create a breeding ground for influenza viruses. Moreover, these viruses thrive in moisture-rich, rainy weather and can remain viable for long in droplets suspended in the air. Also, stagnated water due to monsoon rains causes mosquitoes to accumulate, which act as carriers of the flu, transmitting the disease to humans.

How to Prevent the Monsoon Flu?

Taking preventive measures can help prevent contracting and transmitting different types of viral fever, particularly flu, during the rainy season. The following are some key practices you can follow this monsoon:

• Maintaining personal hygiene: The first important thing you should take care of in terms of personal hygiene is washing your hands regularly with clean water and soap, especially before touching your face or eating. You can use hand sanitisers when water and soap aren’t readily available. In addition, bathe daily regardless of how cool the weather is.
• Get a flu shot: Every doctor recommends getting the flu or influenza vaccination once a year to protect your body against an influenza virus attack. 
• Respiratory etiquette: Whenever coughing or sneezing, you should cover your mouth and nose using a tissue or your elbow. Doing this will help prevent your respiratory droplets from being released into the air and transmit the flu. Also, don’t forget to wash your hands and dispose of the used tissue afterwards.
• Avoid touching your face: You should refrain from frequently touching your face, specifically your nose, eyes, and mouth, during monsoons, as these are entry points for the influenza viruses. 
• Avoid close contact: You should steer clear of people already having flu symptoms, as being around them can elevate the risk of virus transmission. If you suspect you have the symptoms of flu, you should stay home to avoid spreading the illness to others.
• Keep surfaces clean: A person with a flu or cold can launch the virus containing tiny droplets of fluid into the air whenever he sneezes or coughs. These droplets can land on nearby surfaces, and you can catch flu or cold by touching such surfaces. You can prevent contracting the flu by regularly cleaning the nearby surfaces to get rid of germs.
• Proper ventilation: Efficient air circulation helps reduce the concentration of viruses in the air during the rainy season. So, to minimise the risk of viral infection, ensure your living and working space are properly ventilated.

How Can Monsoon Flu Be Treated?

Do you have a mild flu? If so, you can treat the symptoms yourself. Often, people get better themselves within 7-10 days in such cases. Below are some things you can do to relieve your flu symptoms this rainy season:

• Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, including water, to prevent dehydration.
• Keep yourself warm
• Get plenty of rest
• Have a healthy diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables
• Inhale steam or have a hot shower to help relieve a stuffy nose
• Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke

If you are suffering from a sore throat, you can:

• Gargle with warm salty water
• Have hot water with honey and lemon
• Suck on an ice cube

However, if you have severe flu, are younger than 5 years old, older than 65 years old, a heart, asthmatic, or diabetic patient, have a weak immune system, or are obese, it’s advisable to see your doctor. He will diagnose you and prescribe you the appropriate medication to ease your flu symptoms.

Concluding Thoughts

You shouldn’t overlook the impact of flu during rainy weather. The combination of changed humidity levels and temperatures, stagnant, contaminated water, and weakened immunity makes people more susceptible to flu infections. By adopting the discussed preventive measures, you can mitigate the impact of the flu and preserve your well-being during the monsoon season.