Physician explains how to identify flu, dengue, malaria and chikungunya early this monsoon: ‘Most common symptoms are…’

By Admin

28 Aug, 2025

With the arrival of monsoon showers comes much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat. But along with it, this season also brings a surge in illnesses such as flu, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. High humidity, stagnant water, and fluctuating temperatures create the perfect breeding ground for viruses, bacteria, and mosquitoes. To safeguard your health, experts stress the importance of early detection, boosting immunity, and preventive care.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Gaurav Gupta, consultant internal medicine physician at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, shared valuable insights on how to strengthen immunity, prevent infections, and identify symptoms of these seasonal illnesses before they escalate.

Why immunity matters

Seasonal changes often weaken the body’s natural defence system, making people more susceptible to infections. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable, as their immunity is either still developing or declining with age. That’s why preventive measures and timely vaccination play a vital role in staying healthy during the monsoon.

Key preventive measures

Doctors recommend the following practices to reduce the risk of falling sick during this season:

• Hygiene first: Wash hands frequently and wear masks in crowded places.
  
  

• Eat fresh, safe food: Consume freshly cooked meals. Avoid seafood, cut fruits, chutneys, and uncovered food as they spoil quickly in humid weather.
  
  

• Safe drinking water: Opt for boiled, filtered, or packaged water to prevent water-borne diseases.
  
  

• Boost immunity naturally: Sleep well, eat a balanced diet, and include immunity-boosting citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and amla.
  
  

• Prevent mosquito breeding: Eliminate stagnant water near your home to curb mosquito breeding, which spreads dengue and malaria.
  
  

Symptoms of seasonal flu

According to Dr. Gupta, the most common flu symptoms seen this monsoon include:

• High fever
  
  

• Sore throat
  
  

• Body pain and fatigue
  
  

• Headache
  
  

• Chills (sometimes)
  
  

• Runny nose and cough
  
  

Currently, Mumbai has reported cases of Influenza A, Influenza B, and coronavirus, all of which can mimic flu-like symptoms.

Difference between flu and other seasonal illnesses

While the flu usually presents with fever, cough, and sore throat, other common monsoon illnesses show distinct warning signs:

• Dengue: High fever for 4–5 days, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, followed by a drop in platelet count after the fever subsides.
  
  

• Chikungunya: Fever with intense joint pain, especially in smaller joints like the hands and elbows.
  
  

• Malaria: Cyclical fever with chills and sweating.
  
  

If the fever persists beyond 3–4 days, doctors advise getting a CBC (Complete Blood Count) test to check platelet levels and rule out dengue or malaria.

Role of vaccination

Annual flu vaccination is strongly recommended, particularly for children and the elderly. Vaccines are safe and effective in lowering the risk of severe illness during flu season and offer an added layer of protection during monsoon.

Stay alert, stay safe

The monsoon season demands extra care. Simple habits like maintaining hygiene, eating fresh food, drinking safe water, boosting immunity, and preventing mosquito breeding can significantly reduce the risk of seasonal diseases. Most importantly, early detection and timely medical attention are the keys to staying healthy and safe this monsoon.

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any medical concerns.