4 min learnNew DelhiSep 3, 2026 04:00 PM IST
After the latest devastating Nepal-Tibet flash floods, what’s the first main well being concern individuals ought to pay attention to? To assist forestall additional well being issues, we requested medical doctors this query, they usually harassed that floods stay a well being risk even after the water recedes. “One of many quick issues is contamination of consuming water and meals. Floodwater can combine with sewage, animal waste, chemical compounds and decaying materials, making a setting the place infections can unfold shortly. For individuals in affected areas, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever and dehydration are among the signs that shouldn’t be ignored,” mentioned Dr Manish Dodmani, advisor gastroenterologist, KIMS Hospitals Thane.
Meals security turns into significantly vital when refrigeration, cooking services and clear water are disrupted. “Keep away from meals that has come into contact with floodwater, seems spoiled or has been saved improperly throughout an influence outage. Uncooked and cooked meals needs to be stored separate, and fingers needs to be washed completely earlier than consuming or making ready meals,” mentioned Dr Dodmani.
In line with Dr Shankar Zanwar, senior advisor gastroenterologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Mumbai, following flash floods, gastrointestinal infections can develop into a serious health concern as a result of floodwater can contaminate drinking-water sources, meals provides, and sanitation methods. “Folks could develop acute gastroenteritis with diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever, whereas infections reminiscent of typhoid, cholera, dysentery and hepatitis A and E may unfold via contaminated meals and water,” mentioned Dr Zanwar.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
Probably the most quick issues is dehydration and lack of electrolytes, significantly in younger kids, older adults and people who find themselves already medically susceptible. “Folks needs to be particularly cautious about consuming untreated water, eating food that has been uncovered to floodwater, or consuming meals that has been saved with out correct refrigeration. Even when water appears to be like clear, it might nonetheless include dangerous microorganisms. Folks with repeated diarrhoea or vomiting ought to give attention to protected hydration and search medical consideration in the event that they develop blood within the stool, persistent fever, extreme stomach ache, lowered urine output, dizziness, weak spot or confusion,” mentioned Dr Zanwar.
Clear consuming water is a serious concern (Picture: Getty Pictures/Thinkstock)
Sufferers with present gastrointestinal or liver circumstances may additionally face difficulties if their regular medicines, weight loss program and medical follow-up are disrupted. “It’s equally vital to keep away from self-medication, significantly pointless antibiotics, as not each episode of diarrhoea requires antibiotic remedy. Sustaining protected water, correct hand hygiene, meals security, and well timed medical care can considerably scale back the chance of great gastrointestinal issues after flooding,” mentioned Dr Zanwar.
Publish-traumatic stress dysfunction triggers Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) like sickness and must be handled with acceptable medicines and counselling, mentioned Dr Amol S Dahale, professor, division of medical gastroenterology, DPU Tremendous Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune.
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The easy rule after a flood is: protected water, protected meals and early consideration to signs can forestall a secondary well being disaster, added Dr Dodmani.
Nepal flash floods has been trending on Google for the previous 24 hours
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on data from the general public area and/or the consultants we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
