Monsoon Fever And Food Facts: How To Stay Healthy This Rainy Season

Last Updated:July 16, 2025, 10:21 IST

With waterlogging, fluctuating temperatures, and increased mosquito breeding, the risk of infections like dengue, chikungunya, malaria, typhoid, and viral fever becomes high.

As the monsoon rolls in, it brings cooler breezes and much-needed respite from the summer heat but also an unwelcome surge in seasonal illnesses. With waterlogging, fluctuating temperatures, and increased mosquito breeding, the risk of infections like dengue, chikungunya, malaria, typhoid, and viral fever becomes dangerously high.

“Fever is often the first red flag, it’s your body’s way of signalling that something’s not quite right,” says Dr. Nehal Shah, Consultant, Paediatric Medicine, Narayana Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai. She warns that in children especially, early recognition and prompt action are key to managing monsoon-related health issues.

The Many Faces of Fever

Not all fevers are the same and understanding the subtle differences can help in early intervention.

Viral fever, the most common culprit during monsoon, is caused by viruses such as influenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus, and sometimes even dengue and chikungunya viruses. Though often self-limiting, viral fevers can still cause significant discomfort.

Common Symptoms of Viral Fever Include:

High temperature

Headache

Body aches

Fatigue

Cough and sore throat

Runny nose and sneezing

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

“There are many types of viral fevers, and while most are mild, children with low immunity or underlying conditions can develop complications,” explains Dr. Shah.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Malaria and Dengue

Malaria is caused by a parasite spread through mosquito bites. Dr. Shah highlights that timely diagnosis is crucial, “If malaria is suspected, a simple blood test can help confirm the presence of parasites. Prompt treatment with antimalarial medication is essential to avoid severe complications.”

Symptoms of malaria include:

Recurring fever (often with chills)

Fatigue

Headache

Sweating

Nausea

Dengue, another mosquito-borne illness, can present with a sudden spike in temperature, severe body pain (often called “breakbone fever”), skin rashes, and sometimes bleeding. While home remedies like papaya leaf juice are popular, Dr. Shah advises consulting a doctor immediately, especially in children showing signs of bleeding or dehydration.

Typhoid: A Food and Water-Borne Risk

Typhoid fever is highly prevalent during the rainy season due to contamination in water and street food. “Typhoid usually shows up 7–14 days after exposure,” says Dr. Shah.

Symptoms include:

Prolonged fever

Abdominal pain

Weakness and weight loss

Dry cough

Diarrhea or constipation

Loss of appetite

Prevention starts with clean drinking water and freshly cooked food. Avoiding roadside snacks is especially important during the monsoon.

Food & Immunity: What You Eat Matters

“Your diet plays a huge role in building resilience against seasonal infections,” Dr. Shah explains. She recommends:

Eating freshly prepared, home-cooked meals

Avoiding raw salads or juices from outside

Including immune-boosting foods like citrus fruits, turmeric, ginger, and probiotics

Staying well-hydrated, preferably with boiled or filtered water

Top Tips for Parents This Monsoon

Watch for early symptoms of fever or fatigue and don’t delay testing.

Keep your child’s surroundings mosquito-free: use nets, cover water tanks, and apply repellents.

Reinforce good hygiene habits like handwashing and avoiding shared cutlery at school or daycare.

Stick to a clean, nutritious diet and steer clear of junk food or roadside snacks.

Don’t self-medicate: Always consult a doctor, especially if fever persists beyond 2–3 days.

Monsoon doesn’t have to mean mayhem if you stay informed and proactive. Fever is a sign, not a solution and understanding what type you’re dealing with can help you take the right steps early. From eating wisely to seeking timely medical care, prevention remains your best defense.

For parents, guardians, or anyone navigating monsoon season with children, Dr Shah reminds us, “Awareness is your first medicine. With a bit of caution and care, you can enjoy the rains without falling sick.”

Swati Chaturvedi

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More

Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More

view comments

First Published: