Dengue Fever: 5 Strategies To Prevent Mosquito-Borne Disease In Monsoon
Dengue fever is a viral illness that affects public health in India, particularly during the monsoon season. Here are five tips for avoiding this serious illness.
As the monsoon season approaches, the risk of dengue fever grows considerably, particularly in tropical and subtropical locations. The dengue virus, which is largely spread by the Aedes mosquito, can produce symptoms ranging from minor flu-like symptoms to serious life-threatening consequences. With no particular therapy or readily available vaccination, prevention emerges as our most effective weapon against the illness. Dr. Gowri Kulkarni, Head of Medical Operations at MediBuddy, spoke with India.con and highlighted five key steps to help you avoid dengue illness and safeguard your health during this sensitive period.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of Dengue
1| Eliminating mosquito breeding areas - One of the most efficient strategies to avoid dengue. Aedes mosquitoes deposit their eggs in stagnant water, so keep your environment clean and dry. Inspect your house and environs regularly, and remove any containers with standing water, such as buckets, plant pots, old tires, or anything else that might collect rainwater. Maintaining clean gutters and protecting water storage tanks is also essential.
2| Prevent insect Bite - Using insect repellents is an effective personal protection method for avoiding mosquito bites, particularly outdoors or in locations with high mosquito activity. Use insect repellents. Natural alternatives include lemon eucalyptus oil and citronella-based solutions. While they persist longer than chemical repellents, they nevertheless offer some protection. Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes to reduce your skin's exposure to mosquitos. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is ideal since it provides better protection and breathability. Use mosquito netting when relaxing or sleeping, especially during the day when Aedes mosquitos are most active.
3| Identify Symptoms Early - Seeking medical assistance for dengue fever symptoms is critical for proper treatment and avoiding severe consequences. A rapid, high fever is generally one of the first symptoms, with temperatures reaching 104°F (40°C) or higher. Acute headaches are one of the disease's first signs. A common symptom is acute pain or pressure behind the eyes that worsens with eye movement, as well as significant muscular and joint discomfort. If you suffer any of these symptoms, especially after visiting a dengue-prone location, get medical attention right once. Early diagnosis and effective medical care are critical because dengue can proceed to a more severe and life-threatening form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
4| Maintaining appropriate personal and environmental hygiene habits - This helps to prevent the future spread of the dengue virus to others via mosquito vectors. Dispose away any containers or anything that may accumulate standing water and act as mosquito breeding places. By actively practicing proper personal and environmental hygiene, you may help break the dengue virus transmission cycle and protect your community from the spread of this terrible disease.
5| Maintain a Healthy Immune System - A healthy immune system can help your body fight off illnesses like dengue. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats will provide you with critical vitamins and minerals that help your immune system work. Regular physical activity can also benefit the immune system.
It's vital to note that even if someone has had dengue fever before, they might get the virus again from a different serotype, so taking preventive steps is critical. Good cleanliness is especially important during the infectious phase to prevent secondary transmission via mosquito vectors.
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