Monsoon in Hyderabad: typhoid, jaundice and stomach infections
Monsoon rains bring a rise in water-borne illnesses in Hyderabad. How to keep drinking water and food safe, and the symptoms that need a doctor.
Written by HoMedi Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Vinod Kumar, MBBS · Reg. No. APMC/FMR/97301 (Andhra Pradesh Medical Council)
Published · Last reviewed · 2 min read
The monsoon brings relief from Hyderabad's heat, but it also brings a rise in illnesses spread through contaminated water and food. Waterlogged roads, overflowing drains and damaged pipelines can all let germs into drinking water. Simple precautions prevent most of these infections.
The common monsoon infections
- Stomach infections and diarrhoea: loose motions, vomiting and stomach cramps
- Typhoid: a fever that lasts several days and rises gradually, with weakness, headache and stomach pain
- Jaundice from hepatitis A or E: yellow eyes and skin, dark urine, tiredness, nausea and loss of appetite
- Leptospirosis: a fever after walking through floodwater, especially with cuts on the feet. Tell the doctor if you have been in floodwater
Safe drinking water
- Drink water from a well-maintained purifier, or boiled water: bring it to a rolling boil, then cool it in a clean, covered container
- Get purifier filters serviced as recommended
- Keep stored water covered, and use a clean ladle rather than dipping cups in
- Be careful with ice from unknown sources
Safe food
- Eat freshly cooked, hot food, and avoid food that has stood out for hours
- During the monsoon, be cautious with roadside food, cut fruit and uncooked chutneys
- Wash fruit and vegetables well in clean water
- Wash hands with soap before eating and cooking, and after using the toilet
If someone has diarrhoea or vomiting
- Give ORS (oral rehydration solution) in small, frequent sips
- Continue light, easily digested food if they can eat
- Do not give antibiotics or anti-diarrhoea medicines without a doctor's advice
Contact a doctor if there is blood in the stool, a high fever, vomiting that stops them keeping fluids down, or signs of dehydration: very little urine, a dry mouth, dizziness or unusual sleepiness. Children and older adults become dehydrated faster, so seek help sooner for them.
Call 108 if the person is confused, very drowsy, fainting, or cannot be woken normally.
When fever lasts
A fever that lasts more than two or three days during the monsoon should be checked by a doctor. It may be typhoid, dengue, malaria or another infection, and each needs different treatment. Read Dengue in Hyderabad: warning signs and care at home for the dengue warning signs.
Getting checked without the trip
For someone who is unwell but stable, a doctor's home visit avoids a trip through waterlogged roads. HoMedi is launching across Hyderabad to help families find registered doctors and nurses nearby. See Doctor home visits in Hyderabad for how home visits work.
Questions people ask
Water from a well-maintained purifier or boiled water is safest. If you are unsure whether a purifier's filters have been serviced, boil the water: bring it to a rolling boil, then let it cool in a clean, covered container.
Yes, vaccines are available for both. Ask your doctor whether they are suitable for you and your family.
