Dengue fever is a mosquito-transmitted disease. An infected mosquito of the Aedes species transmits the virus, which usually wreaks havoc in tropical countries. Over 100 countries are classified as areas of concern, and at least 40% of the world’s population reside in these areas. That’s why dengue is a potent medical health concern.
The common symptoms of dengue can easily be mistaken as common fever, rash, aches, and pains. Patients can also suffer from vomiting and nausea. The worst part about dengue is that there is no specific or particular medicine you can take for the disease. The only way to deal with it is to treat the symptoms individually.
The best medical advice is to consult with your healthcare provider rather than self-diagnose whether you have dengue. If you do, you have to take ample rest. Take paracetamol to control the fever and body pains. Finally, you have to stay hydrated. So, drink a lot of fluid like water or juice.
Unfortunately, these tips may not help you if you have severe dengue, which is considered a medical emergency. Severe dengue is characterized by unbearable belly pain and tenderness. Unlucky patients also vomit at least three times within 24 hours. They may also start to vomit blood, bleed through their nose or have a blood-stained stool.
Prevention is better than cure. So how can you prevent dengue and protect you and your family? Let’s study some helpful tips.
Clean
No matter what species, mosquitoes thrive in dirty and cluttered spaces. The dark, dust, and small corners and places are perfect homes for them. Thus, you have to make sure that you regularly clean your house.
Remove Standing Water
Do not store water without covering its container. Anything that contains water and is left out is a perfect birthing place for mosquitoes. Make sure that you empty containers such as pots, pale, or anything that can contain water. Also, make sure to fix any gaps in your water pipes or faucets.
Use Mosquito Netting
A mosquito netting is a helpful tool to use if you sleep with open windows. This protects you from mosquitoes and other bugs. Mosquito nettings are especially helpful when you’re sleeping outside, perhaps when you’re camping. It doesn’t only ensure that you have a comfortable rest but that you are safe from dengue.
Use Fans
Mosquitoes can’t fly against the wind. Similar to mosquito netting, fans protect you from mosquitoes and other insects. They also help you sleep better, especially on warm nights.
Use Mosquito Traps
There are many recipes for mosquito traps. They attract insects and keep them away from you. The main ingredient that you want to try is sugar because this attracts mosquitoes. You can mix it with water, place it in a container, and leave it out for the rest of the night.
You can also use a tiger mosquito attractant. Other mosquito traps are made using essential oils, although they work slightly differently. Instead of attracting mosquitoes, essential oils usually keep them away. Some essential oils that can do this while helping you sleep are eucalyptus, lemon, and lavender.
Use Bug Zappers
Bug zappers are convenient tools that come in different forms and sizes. You can use the ones that look like tennis rackets or stationary bug zapper lamps that attract insects with light. Either way, these are proven tools that keep mosquitoes away.
Use Chemical Repellents
Chemical repellents are one of the more popular ways of keeping mosquitoes and other insects away. They come in various shapes and sizes, too. Some come in solutions, others in lotion, and so much more. It protects you, your family, and even areas around your house from these pests. Some of them repel these bugs, and others kill them on contact.
Treat Pools and Ponds
Just in case your place has a pool or a pond, you may want to consider the water with fish-friendly and mosquito-repelling solutions. You don’t have a lot to worry about if your ponds have fish because mosquito larvae are great snacks for them. As for pools, you might need to cover them while they’re not in use because they are the most significant forms of standing water.
Plant Natural Mosquito Repellents
Natural mosquito repellents can be practical and pretty in the form of flowers and plants. Some of these that you might want to try are lavender, Tulsi, and Marigolds. They not only repel mosquitoes, but they give you a lovely home as well.
As you can see, there are many ways you can protect yourself and your family from dengue. The main goal is to repel mosquitoes from your home. You can try natural and artificial means, too! So don’t limit yourself and remember that prevention is better than cure.
