‘Dengue: Defend It’ The only change is constant. Acceptance of the change makes life easy and comfortable.But, wait, not all changes are good to health whether mental or physical. Change of weather is that one change which almost takes the toll on the health of people. The gradual change from summer to winter brings forth the change in the air and the atmosphere.The place becomes the breeding ground for mosquitoes and people face its brunt.
Yes, I am here talking about the weather change that comes with the flu-like illness, fever. If you also fear being caught by the fever, then you need to know how it is caused, symptoms and the precautions.
- Dengue fever is also known as break bone fever. It is a mosquito-borne infection that can lead to a severe flu-like illness, caused by Aedes mosquitoes.
- Symptoms range from mild to severe. Severe symptoms include DSS i.e. dengue shock syndrome and the person require to be hospitalized.
- The best prevention is to avoid the mosquito bites and it can be done by various means.
Precautions
1. Clothing
Be cautious about the clothes you wear. The weather does not support sleeveless. Wear full sleeves before you move out of the house. Your sleeves won’t give space to mosquitoes to bite you anyways, and you will stay safe.
2. Apply mosquito repellent cream
Use mosquito repellent cream which has at least 10% concentration of DEET (diethyltoluamide) or higher concentration which can remain for a longer period of time. But, do not apply it to children.
3. Accumulation of water
Do not let water accumulate anywhere in your house, for stagnant water becomes a breeding place for mosquitoes. Check water and remove stagnant water immediately as it reduces the risk of illness. Also, remove excess water from the plant pots, turn buckets and watering cans over. Change water in flower vases every day. Clean it and replace it with fresh water on almost every second day. But, preferably avoid keeping water until the season signs off
4. Keep yourself hydrated
Drink liquid as much as you can. Water intake, juices, coconut water will keep you hydrated whole day long and keep mosquitoes at bay.
5. Nets and mosquitoes trap
Nets treated with insecticide are more effective or mosquitoes can attack you even if you are standing near to the nest. So, along with yourself, treat even the nets in a better manner.
6. Take care of the timings
Try not to go outside during dawn, dusk or late evenings. The mosquitoes stroll around, searching for their prey. So, be aware.
