Health and Me

Nisha Pandey

How To Steer Clear Of Gut Infections During Monsoon, Gastroenterologist Explains

How To Steer Clear Of Gut Infections During Monsoon, According To A Gastroenterologist

The monsoon season brings a respite from scorching heat, but it also increases the risk of contracting various diseases and infections. Apart from common illnesses like dengue, malaria, and typhoid fever, states and cities in India also face the risk of specific infections based on climate, geography, infrastructure, parasites, and sanitation.  

<h2>Prevention Of <span rel="noindex">Gut Infections</span> During Monsoon </h2>

In a conversation with Health and Me, Dr Aabha Nagral, Director of Gastroenterology, Chief Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, explained how rains can lead to contamination of water sources, increasing the spread of fecal-oral infections. 

As the monsoon has set in, several states in India, including Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and <span>Tamil Nadu</span> are facing an alarming rise of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/nutrition/monsoon-diet-simple-hacks-to-keep-your-food-fresh-and-moisture-free-article-151039532" data-type="tilCustomLink">gastrointestinal infections</a>. Heavy rains are one of the reasons behind contamination of drinking water and food supplies.  

Bacteria, viruses, and parasites in food and drinking water often result in a spike in diarrhea, vomiting, food poisoning, and gastroenteritis. Increased bacterial growth in warm and humid conditions, combined with poor food hygiene and subpar sanitation facilities, contributes to the rise of gut infections in urban areas like Mumbai.   

Recent research and seasonal trends also support the increase in these infections. A 2025 review published in Frontiers in Tropical Diseases found that tropical infections like cholera, giardiasis, and enterotoxigenic E. coli infections disrupt the gut microbiome by reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing harmful microbes.  

Faecal-oral diseases and infections like hepatitis A and E mainly cause jaundice, whereas gastroenteritis presents with diarrhea. On the other hand, typhoid can present with high fevers.  

Dr Nagral says, “You can have various other diseases during the rains by what we call faecal-oral contamination of water. So, we know that during the rainy season, the water gets contaminated more easily. So, make sure that you are boiling your water for at least 10 minutes, or if you are using RO or any other means of sterilising the water. Also, make sure your systems are well serviced regularly so that the water you drink is well filtered and sterile.” 

The water source is among the first to get contaminated during the monsoon. Dr Nagral suggests these tips to prevent gut infections.  

<ul><li>Avoid foods and drinks that contain water in different forms </li></ul>

<ul><li>Avoid street-side juices during monsoons to prevent <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/dengue-serotypes-shifting-in-young-adults-how-indias-indigenous-vaccine-could-help-prevent-severe-disease-article-154627273" data-type="tilCustomLink">gut infections</a> </li></ul>

<ul><li>Avoid any drink that contains ice or that has been sitting out for a long time  </li></ul>

Dr Aabha Nagral also spoke about avoiding consuming street foods as they are more likely to be contaminated during the monsoon. 

She explains, “Also, I would say avoid all street food because that’s how diseases spread. They spread through flies which sit on the faeces, which are often unfortunately there on our roadside, and then onto your food or drinks.”  

Mumbai Rains 2026: Hidden Health Risks You Shouldn't Ignore

<h2>Common <span rel="noindex">Monsoon Diseases</span></h2>

Monsoon diseases can vary across India depending on rainfall, flooding situation, sanitation, and local mosquito populations. Some of the most common ones include <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/sri-lanka-dengue-outbreak-nears-50000-cases-prevention-tips-you-need-to-know-article-154742015" data-type="tilCustomLink">dengue</a>, malaria, typhoid, and diarrheal diseases. These infections affect nearly every state during the rainy season.

Specifically, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have seen a higher likelihood of leptospirosis following floods.

Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand continue to record high malaria cases, while flood-prone states like Odisha, Assam, and Bihar are vulnerable to water-borne illnesses, including cholera and gastroenteritis.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

how-to-steer-clear-of-gut-infections-during-monsoon-according-to-a-gastroenterologist

gut infections

monsoon diseases

rainy season infections

monsoon infections

tamil nadu

jeremy-doku-row-doctors-explain-why-fathers-play-a-crucial-role-during-childbirth

Jeremy Doku Row: Doctors Explain Why Fathers Play A Crucial Role During Childbirth

sepsis-india-joins-global-trial-to-screen-newborns-for-deadly-drug-resistant-infections

Sepsis: India Joins Global Trial To Screen Newborns For Deadly Drug-Resistant Infections

Health & Wellness

8 Sit-Up Variations to Strengthen Your Core and Build Stability

Benefits Of Ayurvedic Health Supplement Ashwagandha

9 Anti-Inflammatory Breakfast Options You Should Try

5 Foods You Should Avoid For PCOS, Says Gynecologist

Love Sitting With Your Legs Crossed? Here’s You Should Avoid It

6 Daily Foods That Are Secretly Increasing Your Calories

9 Brain Boosters You Should Do Everyday

Hip Exercises That Will Keep You Flexible As You Age

9 Leg Exercises Office Workers’ Should Do At Home

Benefits of Having Herbal Tea Every Morning

9 Daily Habits That Boost Your Brain Power

Lower-Body Exercises That Are Game-Changers

How Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar Helps You

Aging Myths You Should Never Believe

Superfoods That Support Your Gut Health

What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Instant Noodles Every Day?

Health Issues Premature Babies Often Face

Exercises Office Workers Should Do For Their Heart Health

Reasons Why You Should Add Raw Turmeric To Your Diet

Benefits Of Drinking Milk At Night: Why You Should Do It

Food That Provides Vitamin B12 Naturally In Your Diet

Surprising Health Benefits Of Fenugreek Seeds

9 Superfoods You Should Eat For Your Brain Health

What Does Mental Health Support Look Like At Work?

Long Stretches You Should Do To Unwind From Your Day

Colon Cancer In Young Adults: Early Symptoms You Should Know

Health Benefits Of Eating Dry Fruits Everyday

Are You At Risk For Fried Rice Syndrome?

These Tests Reveal How Well You Are Aging

Lower-Back Exercises You Should Do After A Long-Day's Work

Children’s Diet – What Kids Need To Eat For Immunity Building

Common Diabetes Myths That Could Hurt Your Health

Love Spicy Food? Here’s How It Affects Your Health

Superfood List: Veggies And Fruits You Must Have For Immunity

Foods People With IBS Should Avoid

Exercises To Improve Digestion

Easy Work Lunches You Can Make In The Morning

Hunger Vs Craving: Difference Explained In 60 seconds

These Things Can Cause Your Heart To Age Faster

High Carb Foods That Are Actually Healthy

The monsoon season brings a respite from scorching heat, but it also increases the risk of contracting various diseases and infections. Apart from common illnesses like dengue, malaria, and typhoid fever, states and cities in India also face the risk of specific infections based on climate, geography, infrastructure, parasites, and sanitation.  Prevention Of Gut Infections During Monsoon In a conversation with Health and Me, Dr Aabha Nagral, Director of Gastroenterology, Chief Hepatologist and Liver Transplant Physician at Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, explained how rains can lead to contamination of water sources, increasing the spread of fecal-oral infections. As the monsoon has set in, several states in India, including Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are facing an alarming rise of gastrointestinal infections. Heavy rains are one of the reasons behind contamination of drinking water and food supplies.  Bacteria, viruses, and parasites in food and drinking water often result in a spike in diarrhea, vomiting, food poisoning, and gastroenteritis. Increased bacterial growth in warm and humid conditions, combined with poor food hygiene and subpar sanitation facilities, contributes to the rise of gut infections in urban areas like Mumbai.   Recent research and seasonal trends also support the increase in these infections. A 2025 review published in Frontiers in Tropical Diseases found that tropical infections like cholera, giardiasis, and enterotoxigenic E. coli infections disrupt the gut microbiome by reducing beneficial bacteria and increasing harmful microbes.  Faecal-oral diseases and infections like hepatitis A and E mainly cause jaundice, whereas gastroenteritis presents with diarrhea. On the other hand, typhoid can present with high fevers.  Dr Nagral says, “You can have various other diseases during the rains by what we call faecal-oral contamination of water. So, we know that during the rainy season, the water gets contaminated more easily. So, make sure that you are boiling your water for at least 10 minutes, or if you are using RO or any other means of sterilising the water. Also, make sure your systems are well serviced regularly so that the water you drink is well filtered and sterile.” The water source is among the first to get contaminated during the monsoon. Dr Nagral suggests these tips to prevent gut infections.  Avoid foods and drinks that contain water in different forms Avoid street-side juices during monsoons to prevent gut infections Avoid any drink that contains ice or that has been sitting out for a long time  Dr Aabha Nagral also spoke about avoiding consuming street foods as they are more likely to be contaminated during the monsoon. She explains, “Also, I would say avoid all street food because that’s how diseases spread. They spread through flies which sit on the faeces, which are often unfortunately there on our roadside, and then onto your food or drinks.”                          Common Monsoon DiseasesMonsoon diseases can vary across India depending on rainfall, flooding situation, sanitation, and local mosquito populations. Some of the most common ones include dengue, malaria, typhoid, and diarrheal diseases. These infections affect nearly every state during the rainy season. Specifically, Kerala, Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu have seen a higher likelihood of leptospirosis following floods. Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand continue to record high malaria cases, while flood-prone states like Odisha, Assam, and Bihar are vulnerable to water-borne illnesses, including cholera and gastroenteritis.

how to steer clear of gut infections during monsoon, according to a gastroenterologist

About Us

Contact Us

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Company

Health and Me is a premium website with content written and curated to function as a handbook for all Health concerns.

How To Steer Clear Of Gut Infections During Monsoon, Gastroenterologist Explains

Your Long Covid Headache And Fatigue May Be Caused By Autoantibodies, Study Suggests

Starving Cancer Or Weakening The Patient? Understanding The Truth About Sugar And Cancer

New Oral GLP-1 Pill Delivers Major Weight Loss In Just 36 Weeks

Health Conditions A-Z