Ways to Avoid Dengue This Rainy Season

As it gets colder this rainy season, the chance of catching something nasty like colds or flu also rises.

And while freshly-squeezed orange juice and a warm bowl of chicken soup (and a dose of paracetamol for good measure) can easily alleviate these, there is one viral disease rampant during the rainy season that can be far more dangerous—dengue.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), dengue is the fastest spreading vector-borne disease in the world endemic in 100 countries. The virus usually thrives in countries with tropical and subtropical climates just like the Philippines.

The DOH has created a campaign on dengue prevention called 4S Kontra Dengue with hopes to lessen the number of cases in the country.

Dengue is transmitted through a bite of dengue-infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitos lay their eggs in clear stagnant water found in gutters, vases, old tires, uncapped bottles, and other similar containers.

Symptoms may be as simple as a slight fever to more serious ones like hemorrhage that can lead to fatality.

Although dengue sounds scary, it can be easily prevented by targeting and eliminating the host and its habitat. Here are some tips on how you can avoid dengue this rainy season:

Clean your surroundings

Make sure to clean your home and surroundings regularly. Since the dengue virus is carried by mosquitoes, eradicating the vector and its habitat will be the best way to stop it from spreading.

Look around your household for possible containers and areas that may collect water like vases and gutter—and make sure to clear it! Drums and tanks should also be covered properly.

Install window screens and mosquito nets

Sometimes, preventing mosquitoes from entering your household is as easy as closing your doors, especially when it’s almost night time. You can also install net screens on your windows and mosquito nets when you sleep to make sure not even a single insect sneaks in.

Use mosquito repellents

This tip is especially applicable for those who are always on-the-go. When you travel to new places, you can never be too sure of what awaits you. You wouldn’t want to get bitten by a dengue-carrying mosquito while hiking, would you?

Well, thank the universe for mosquito repellent lotions and patches!

There are also other mosquito repelling products in the market like sprays, coils, and machines that you can use at home. Make sure to read the safety guidelines before using.

Immediately consult your doctor when symptoms of dengue arise

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these are the early onset symptoms of dengue that may last for 2 to 7 days:

• high fever (40°C/104°F)
• severe headache
• pain behind the eyes
• muscle and joint pains
• nausea
• vomiting
• swollen glands
• rash

Do not hesitate to go to the doctor if you feel any of these symptoms!

It really is right to say that with dengue (and almost anything else), prevention is always better than cure. Be safe these rainy days!

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Sources: DOH, WHO