As the monsoon season rages over portions of Asia, Africa, and tropical America, bringing relief from summer heat, it also opens the floodgates literally to a range of health issues. Foremost among them are waterborne diseases that peak during this time and constitute a major threat to public health, particularly in such nations as India where monsoon cycles are intense and clean water access infrastructure is patchy at best.

Waterborne infections that peak during monsoons, their symptoms, how they are spread, and above all, how to avoid them. If you live in a flood area or just want to ensure the well-being of your loved ones during the rains, this is your go-to monsoon health manual.

Link Between Monsoons and Waterborne Illnesses

Monsoons, which are characterized by heavy rains, tend to flood drainage systems, commingle sewage with fresh water, and cause water supply contamination. Poor sanitation, when coupled with high humidity, becomes a breeding ground for viruses, parasites, and bacteria. Drinking, bathing, or exposure to such polluted water transmits numerous diseases, the majority of which are associated with the gastrointestinal tract, liver, or skin.

1. Cholera

Caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, cholera is an epidemic disease that is characterized by profuse watery diarrhea and dehydration. Left untreated, it is even lethal, especially for children and the elderly. Tainted drinking water is the major offender.

Use only purified water—ideally filtered through RO (reverse osmosis), UV, or multi-stage filtration systems. Boiling water before drinking is still one of the cheapest and best methods.

2. Dysentery

Dysentery, mistakenly referred to as stomach flu, is a severe bacterial infection due to Shigella or E. coli. It causes bloody diarrhea, cramps, nausea, and dehydration. Unhygienic food or water intake and poor sanitation are the leading causes.

Dysentery is still one of the foremost causes of death among children under the age of five in low-income countries.

3. Typhoid

Caused by Salmonella Typhi, typhoid fever is bacterial in nature and is transmitted by contaminated food and water. It has symptoms that include continuous high fever, weakness, constipation or diarrhea, and pain in the stomach.

Typhoid, according to WHO, infects 11–20 million people worldwide every year. It can be prevented by vaccination and drinking clean water.

4. Giardia

This lesser known parasitic infection is caused by Giardia lamblia. When ingested, the parasite can live in the human intestine for years and cause bloating, gas, greasy stools, and heavy weight loss.

Giardia is prevalent even in industrialized countries with wilderness activity, swimming pools, or day care centers as potential sources.

5. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A, which is an infection of the liver by a virus, is very infectious and transmitted through eating contaminated food and water. It presents itself with jaundice, weakness, nausea, and fever.

Vaccination is effective for several years. Safe food and water hygiene must be practiced.

6. Viral Gastroenteritis

Commonly referred to as the "stomach flu," viral gastroenteritis runs amok during monsoons. It infects the stomach and intestines, causing vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. Norovirus and rotavirus are common culprits.

Infants and children are particularly susceptible. Get them vaccinated and give them plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.

7. Skin Infections

Skin is predisposed to fungal infections (such as athlete's foot or ringworm) and bacterial infections (such as impetigo) in monsoons due to high humidity and persistent dampness. Wet clothing or the use of dirty towels can make things worse.

Shower every day, wear loose cotton clothes, and dry the skin well, particularly in creases and folds.

8. Leptospirosis

Spread by contact with contaminated water through urine of animals, leptospirosis is contracted after wading through floodwater. It results in symptoms such as fever, muscle pains, and vomiting. Severe infection may cause kidney injury or meningitis.

Do not walk in standing water or puddles when it rains. Wearing waterproof shoes is advisable. Consult a doctor at the earliest sign of symptoms.

9. Amoebiasis

Induced by the Entamoeba histolytica parasite, amoebiasis is transmitted via contaminated food or water. It causes abdominal pain, loose stools, and tiredness. Although most of the time self-limiting, chronic infections can cause damage to the intestines.

Always eat food from clean sources, and wash vegetables thoroughly.

10. Snake Bites

Although not waterborne, snake bites increase during the monsoon as snakes are washed out of their burrows into human settlements. The danger is particularly risked in rural and farm areas.

Avoid going barefoot through dense undergrowth or flooded fields. Wear long pants and boots.

How To Prevention Getting Sick in Monsoon?

• Drink Boiled or Purified Water: This is the best method of destroying waterborne pathogens. Install reliable water purification systems and never drink unverified water.
• Practice Strict Hand Hygiene: Wash hands always after using the bathroom and before eating or cooking. Handwashing with soap can cut diarrheal disease risk by as much as 48%, says The Lancet.
• Keep Surroundings Clean: Drain standing water to avoid breeding mosquitoes (responsible for dengue and malaria), and wash your water storage vessels regularly.
• Consume Fresh and Well-Cooked Food: Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, use cooked meats, and avoid eating street food during rainy days.
• Maintain Adequate Sanitation: Use well-built toilets and refrain from open defecation to minimize source water contamination.
• Vaccinate Children: Make routine vaccinations current, particularly for hepatitis A, typhoid, and flu, which provide immunity against monsoon-borne illnesses.

While monsoons have the charm of rainy afternoons and emerald greenery surrounding them, they also bring with them grave health issues if measures aren't adopted. The aforementioned waterborne illnesses not only affect individual health but also weigh heavily on public health services worldwide.

Atorvastatin Recall 2025: Statins have long been the first-line treatment for high cholesterol, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has confirmed a nationwide recall of over 140,000 bottles of a cholesterol-lowering medication. Officials flagged that some pills may not dissolve properly after ingestion, potentially reducing effectiveness for patients who rely on them daily.

The recall affects Atorvastatin Calcium, the generic version of Lipitor, which is taken by roughly 39 million Americans, most of them adults over 40, according to Dr. Tamanna Singh of the Cleveland Clinic. Federal records show that the recalled batches were manufactured by Alkem Laboratories and distributed by Ascend Laboratories in New Jersey. The FDA’s September 19 enforcement report found that several batches failed quality tests designed to ensure proper dissolution of the pills.

If the pills dissolve inconsistently or more slowly than intended, the medication may not deliver the expected cholesterol-lowering effect. The FDA classified the recall as a Class II action, indicating moderate concern. While temporary or reversible side effects could occur, the likelihood of serious harm is low.

Atorvastatin Recall: Which Atorvastatin Tablets Are Affected

The recall covers multiple strengths and bottle sizes of Atorvastatin Calcium Tablets, which are among the most commonly prescribed statins globally. Affected formulations include:

• 10 mg – 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle
• 20 mg – 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle
• 40 mg – 90, 500, and 1,000 tablets per bottle
• 80 mg – 90 and 500 tablets per bottle

Cholesterol Medication Recalled: Safe Alternatives to Atorvastatin

If you are affected by the recall, there are several alternatives to help manage cholesterol levels effectively:

1. Ezetimibe (Zetia)

Ezetimibe is often recommended when a statin alone doesn’t sufficiently lower cholesterol. It may be used if you are on the maximum statin dose but your cholesterol remains high, or alongside statins such as atorvastatin or simvastatin for conditions like homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Ezetimibe works by blocking cholesterol absorption in the small intestine, causing the body to use up more cholesterol from the blood. It is one of the few non-statin medications that can further reduce LDL cholesterol, either alone or combined with statins or other alternatives.

2. Fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate)

Fibrates mainly target high triglyceride levels, a type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease and pancreatitis, and can also mildly lower LDL cholesterol. They can be taken alone, with ezetimibe, or with a statin. However, combining gemfibrozil with a statin may increase side effects, so caution is advised.

3. Bile Acid Sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam)

Bile acid sequestrants lower cholesterol by binding bile acids in the intestine, preventing their reabsorption. The liver then uses more cholesterol from the blood to produce new bile acids, reducing LDL cholesterol.

Potential drawbacks include:

• Multiple pills per day may be needed
• Possible interactions with other medications or vitamins, which can reduce effectiveness
• May increase triglyceride levels
• Can cause constipation or stomach upset

Imagine sitting down to a juicy, perfectly cooked steak on a warm evening, and hours later you’re hit with terrible stomach cramps, itchy hives, and swelling so bad you might need to rush to the ER. The weird part? It’s not food poisoning, and the steak wasn’t bad. What’s actually happening is your own immune system is reacting, because of a tiny tick bite you got weeks or even months ago, one you probably don’t even remember.

What Is Alpha Gal Syndrome?

Alpha-gal syndrome is a food allergy that can develop after a tick bite, leading to allergic reactions to red meat and products made from it. While several types of ticks can trigger it, the lone star tick is the most common culprit. Not everyone who gets bitten will develop the allergy, but repeated bites can increase the risk or worsen symptoms, as per Cleveland Clinic.

What Can Trigger an Alpha-gal Reaction?

You may have an allergic reaction to:

• Meat from mammals, such as beef, pork, or lamb
• Foods or products made with animal fat
• Certain medications
• Cow’s milk and dairy products

Alpha-gal is a sugar molecule found in most mammals (except humans) and in tick saliva. Not everyone who is bitten by a tick develops alpha-gal syndrome, and you might not react to every food or product that contains it.

Symptoms of Alpha-gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome can cause reactions ranging from mild to life-threatening. Common symptoms include:

• Skin changes, like itching, hives, or flushing
• Swelling of lips, eyelids, throat, tongue, or face (angioedema)
• Respiratory issues, such as cough, shortness of breath, or wheezing
• Digestive problems, including stomach pain, diarrhea, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Joint pain

Timing of Symptoms

Unlike most food allergies, reactions to alpha-gal can occur two to six hours after eating meat or dairy. Medications containing alpha-gal may trigger a faster reaction.

Causes of Alpha-gal Syndrome

Alpha-gal syndrome develops after a tick bite, most commonly from the lone star tick, though bites from black-legged (deer) ticks and other species can also cause it. Ticks carry alpha-gal molecules in their saliva, and exposure during a bite can make your immune system recognize alpha-gal as a threat, triggering an allergy.

Experts aren’t certain why some people develop the allergy while others do not. Repeated tick bites can worsen symptoms or make reactions more frequent.

What Is Lone Star Tick?

The lone star tick is a tiny bug, sometimes as small as a poppy seed. Adult female lone star ticks are easy to identify by the white dot on their backs, the “lone star.” They are commonly found in and around wooded areas across the Midwestern and Eastern United States.

Having alpha-gal syndrome is not just about giving up burgers or steaks. Like other food allergies, it can affect a range of products you may need to avoid. While caution is important, most people with AGS won’t react to every item that contains alpha-gal, and for some, symptoms may improve within a few years. Your healthcare provider can guide you on which foods to steer clear of and what to expect in your individual case.

Sniffles and other symptoms often mistaken for a winter virus such as Covid or flu could actually be caused by something else, according to a pharmacist. George Sandhu, deputy superintendent at Well Pharmacy, explained that pollen allergies are now extending into autumn as seasons stretch longer.

He said: “Warmer temperatures are lengthening growing seasons, so pollen counts are higher than in past decades. Rising carbon dioxide levels don’t just warm the planet, they also act like a fertiliser for plants, increasing pollen production.”

What Is a Pollen Allergy?

A pollen allergy happens when your immune system reacts to pollen, which is a fine powder released by trees, grasses, and weeds during reproduction. In people with this allergy, the immune system mistakes pollen for a harmful substance and releases chemicals such as histamine.

This can trigger symptoms like sneezing, runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, and throat irritation. This condition is commonly called hay fever and tends to appear during certain times of the year when specific plants are blooming, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Sandhu added that milder winters are allowing some plants to start producing pollen earlier in spring and continue later into autumn. He noted: “Late summer also sees a shift from weed pollen to increased indoor mould, leaf mould, and dust mites, which all peak during autumn. Combined with damp autumn conditions, people with allergies now face a much longer ‘high-risk window’ every year.”

Types of Pollen Allergens

The pharmacist explained the three main types of allergens:

• Weed pollen: including ragweed, mugwort, plantain, nettle, dock, goosefoot, and sorrel.
• Mould spores: thrive in damp autumn conditions and can be found in rotting leaves, compost heaps, soil, as well as bathrooms, kitchens, and other damp areas.
• House dust mites: found in bedding, carpets, soft toys, and fabrics.

Best Treatment for a Pollen Allergy

The best way to manage pollen allergies depends on how severe they are and what suits your body. What helps one person may not work for another. A healthcare provider can recommend the most effective treatment. According to Sandhu, “Antihistamines can relieve sneezing, runny nose, and itching, for example, cetirizine or loratadine. Nasal corticosteroid sprays, such as fluticasone or mometasone, reduce inflammation and congestion. Decongestants may give short-term relief for a blocked nose, but they shouldn’t be used long-term. Saline sprays or rinses can help clear allergens from the nose, and eye drops can soothe itchy, watery eyes.”

Can Allergy Shots Work Against Pollen Allergy?

Allergy shots gradually retrain your immune system to tolerate pollen. They involve a series of injections containing pollen, with the dose slowly increased over time. This helps your body build tolerance. Allergy shots are administered by a healthcare provider.

While it is impossible to avoid pollen completely, you can change some daily habits to reduce exposure. For instance, try not to be outside on warm, windy spring days when pollen levels are high. Pollen counts are usually highest in the early morning and early afternoon.