Stay safe this monsoon: Telangana govt lists tips to prevent seasonal infections
A general health advisory to help citizens guard against seasonal illnesses is released by Telangana health department
By Newsmeter Network
Hyderabad: In view of the upcoming spell of monsoon rains across Telangana, the Office of the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare has issued a general health advisory to help citizens guard against seasonal illnesses. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) Hyderabad has forecast light to moderate rain over the next seven days, with heavy rainfall warnings issued for the next two days.
Health officials warn that the combination of falling temperatures and rising humidity could increase the risk of vector-borne, water-borne and airborne infections.
Measures to prevent mosquito-borne diseases
To reduce the risk of malaria, dengue and chikungunya, the advisory recommends the following preventive steps:
- Use mosquito nets or screens on windows and doors.
- Ensure beds and cribs are covered with mosquito nets.
- Apply mosquito repellents regularly.
- Prevent water stagnation by maintaining clean drains.
- Cover domestic septic tanks with mesh to stop mosquito breeding.
- Observe āFriday Dry Dayā every week to eliminate stagnant water sources around homes.
Safe practices to prevent water-borne illnesses
The advisory also addresses the threat of acute gastroenteritis, jaundice and typhoid, which tend to rise during the monsoon. Citizens are advised to:
- Drink only filtered or boiled water.
- Wash hands thoroughly before and after meals.
- Avoid eating stale or unhygienic food from outside sources.
Caution against airborne infections
With a spike in viral fevers and influenza cases expected, the public has been urged to adopt hygiene practices and avoid contact with sick individuals. The following precautions are recommended:
- Avoid shaking hands if sick or if the other person is unwell.
- Use hand sanitisers frequently.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a handkerchief while coughing or sneezing.
- Seek medical care at a government health facility if experiencing flu-like symptoms such as cough with fever, sore throat, headache and body pain.
In case of a health emergency, citizens are advised to contact the 108 ambulance services.
Government preparedness
Dr B Ravinder Nayak, director of Public Health & Family Welfare, stated, āAs a part of precautionary measures, the Government has made elaborate arrangements by providing special beds, IV fluids, and essential medicines at all public health facilities.ā
He added that Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) and medicines have also been distributed to ANMs, ASHAs and Anganwadi workers to ensure preparedness at the community level.
The department has urged all residents of Telangana to remain vigilant and cooperate with public health workers during this monsoon period.
