Hyderabad and towns across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh see a predictable rise in dengue, malaria, typhoid and seasonal viral fevers every year during and just after the monsoon. Most of the risk comes down to a few preventable factors, and simple household precautions make a real difference.
Mosquito-borne illness: dengue and malaria
Dengue and malaria are spread by mosquitoes that breed in stagnant water, often surprisingly close to home. Checking for and emptying stagnant water in flowerpots, coolers, discarded tyres, and blocked drains at least once a week removes the mosquito’s breeding ground before it becomes a problem. Using mosquito nets, screens, and repellents during dawn and dusk hours, when mosquitoes are most active, is a second layer of protection. Sudden high fever with severe body ache, joint pain, or a rash should not be self-treated with random over-the-counter medication — particularly avoid unsupervised use of aspirin or ibuprofen for a suspected dengue fever, since these can increase bleeding risk. See a doctor promptly instead.
Water-borne illness: typhoid and stomach infections
Contaminated water and food are the main routes for typhoid and common stomach infections during the rains. Drinking boiled or properly filtered water, avoiding cut fruit and street food that has been sitting out, and washing hands before eating are basic but genuinely effective precautions. Vaccination against typhoid is available and worth discussing with your family doctor, particularly for children.
General household precautions
- Keep surroundings dry — waterlogging near the house is the single biggest mosquito risk factor.
- Boil or filter drinking water during the monsoon months, even if you normally do not.
- Keep a basic thermometer at home and track fever patterns rather than guessing.
- Don’t delay seeing a doctor for a fever that lasts more than two days, or that comes with a rash, severe headache, or unusual fatigue.
When to seek care urgently
Warning signs that need prompt medical attention include difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, severe abdominal pain, or a child who becomes unusually drowsy or hard to wake. These can be signs of a more serious complication and should not wait.
This article is for general awareness and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you or a family member is unwell, please consult a qualified doctor.
