Heatwave and Monsoon: Why infections spiked in June 2024

June brought a brutal heatwave followed by the first monsoon rains. That combo created ideal conditions for infections — and real effects showed up in medicine sales. Augmentin sales rose by Rs 22 crore, Liv 52 by Rs 14 crore, and Electral by Rs 13.5 crore compared with last June. Doctors also reported more respiratory, gut and urinary infections, plus pollen allergies and vector-borne illnesses.

How heat and rain drive infections

High temperatures stress the body and make dehydration more likely. When the rains start, water contamination, crowded shelters, and breeding mosquitoes become problems fast. Warm, humid air helps respiratory bugs spread. Contaminated food or water leads to stomach infections. And standing water boosts mosquitoes that carry diseases. All of this hits people with long-term conditions — like diabetes — harder because their immune response can be weaker.

Those sales spikes tell a story: Augmentin — a common antibiotic — sold much more because bacterial infections rose. Electral, an oral rehydration mix, climbed as people needed fluids for heat-related dehydration and diarrhoea. Liv 52, a liver support product, saw higher demand too, possibly as people used more medicines or felt unwell from infections and environmental stress.

Practical steps you can take now

Stay hydrated: sip water regularly, not just when you feel very thirsty. Use ORS like Electral if you have vomiting or diarrhoea and signs of dehydration (dizziness, low urine output, dry mouth). Avoid sugary drinks that can worsen dehydration and blood sugar.

Food and water safety: eat freshly cooked food. Avoid street food that sits in heat. Drink boiled or treated water. Wash fruits and veggies thoroughly before eating.

Prevent respiratory spread: wash hands often, cover coughs, avoid crowded places if you feel sick. For pollen and allergy season, keep windows closed on high-pollen days and rinse nasal passages if needed.

Vector control: remove standing water around your home, use mosquito nets or repellents, and repair screens to keep insects out.

Medicines and when to see a doctor: don’t self-prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics like Augmentin are useful for bacterial infections but won’t help viral ones. See a clinician if you have high fever, trouble breathing, blood in stool or urine, persistent vomiting, or signs of dehydration. If you take medicines for diabetes or other chronic conditions, check in with your provider — infections can change blood sugar and medication needs.

Protect your liver: if you’re using over-the-counter liver tonics like Liv 52, discuss them with a doctor, especially if you’re on other medications. Some herbal products can interact with prescription drugs.

Bottom line: heatwave followed by monsoon created more infections in June 2024. Simple steps — hydration, food safety, vector control, responsible medicine use, and prompt medical care — cut your risk and help you recover faster.