28 Aug 2025: The monsoon brings much-needed relief from the summer heat, but it also creates the perfect environment for seasonal illnesses such as flu, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. This makes it important to strengthen our immunity, practice hygiene, and remain vigilant about early symptoms.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr. Gaurav Gupta, consultant internal medicine physician at Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, shares tips on boosting immunity, preventing seasonal illnesses, and staying healthy during the monsoon.
Why immunity matters
Seasonal changes, especially heavy rains and fluctuating temperatures, can weaken our body’s natural defences. Children and the elderly are most vulnerable because their immunity is either still developing or has started to decline with age. That is why extra care, preventive measures, and timely vaccination are essential during this season.
Key preventive measures
To reduce the risk of infection, experts recommend:
- Hygiene first: Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask in crowded places.
- Eat fresh, safe food: Always consume freshly cooked meals. Avoid seafood, cut fruits, chutneys, and food kept uncovered, as they spoil quickly in humid weather.
- Safe drinking water: Drink boiled, filtered, or packaged water to avoid water-borne infections.
- Boost immunity naturally: Get adequate sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and consume citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and amla that help strengthen immunity.
- Prevent mosquito breeding: Do not allow stagnant water to collect around your home, as it becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes that spread dengue and malaria.
Symptoms of seasonal flu
The most common symptoms of flu seen in Mumbai this season include:
- High fever
- Sore throat
- Body pain and fatigue
- Headache
- Chills (sometimes)
- Runny nose and cough
The current season has reported cases of Influenza A, Influenza B, and coronavirus, all of which can cause flu-like symptoms.
Summary:
A physician highlighted key differences in flu, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya symptoms during monsoon, urging early detection and timely medical care to prevent severe complications and outbreaks.