Dengue fever prevention steps can help you deal with the spread. You can follow some simple precautions to protect yourself during the spread. Read on to know some simple tips which you must follow.
Every year dengue outbreak results in a huge number of deaths all over India. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection which spreads quickly. Implementation of prevention steps can help control its spread up to an extent. Every year during the time of the outbreak, you must follow some precautions to protect yourself and your family from dengue fever. Dengue fever starts with some simple symptoms which people usually ignore at first. So, it is always better to prevent the disease than treating it. The preventive measures for dengue mainly include steps to stop mosquito breeding and ways to prevent mosquito bites.
Simple prevention steps for dengue fever
1. Prevent mosquito bites
Mosquitoes are present everywhere. You must protect yourself from mosquito bites as much as possible. Wear full sleeved clothes and try to cover all your body parts. While sleeping, you can use a mosquito net to ensure a good night’s sleep without mosquito bites. You can also apply mosquito repellent creams before stepping out.
2. Keep the indoors safe
Your house can also promote breeding of mosquitoes which can make your very own house unsafe. There are various factors which can contribute to indoor breeding of mosquitoes. Cleaning your house is the first and the most basic step advised to stop dengue spread. Stagnant water is the basic ground for mosquito breeding. So, do not forget to clean pots or container where water is likely to collect. Also, try not to store water to use later.
3. Keep a check on your doors and windows
Open doors and windows can directly invite mosquitoes to your house. Keep the doors and windows closed when not in use. If you have a broken window or a door, get it repaired immediately before it allows the mosquitoes to enter your house.
4. Know the symptoms
Early detection and treatment can help you fight the condition in a better way. It will prevent the situation and you can stop it from worsening. You must understand the early symptoms well so that you can treat it as early as possible.
Dengue fever symptoms
High fever, sharp headache, vomiting, pain behind the eyes, pain in muscles and joints and body rashes are some of the common symptoms.
5. Protect your children from mosquitoes
Children spend maximum time outdoors which increases their interaction with mosquitoes. From school to play time, time spent outdoors can increase the chances of getting dengue fever. Make your child wear full sleeved clothes and also use mosquito repellent. Do not allow them to spend time outside as much as possible. Try to involve your kids in indoor games.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne virus affecting more than 390 million people each year. While the disease is generally mild, it can be deadly.
Recent research shows dengue is between 100 and 800 years old. It likely originated in Africa or Southeast Asia and was then carried to other parts of the world through travel and trade.
In recent years, dengue has spread to over 100 countries. Now, travelers to popular destinations like Brazil and India could contract the disease.
The virus is also known as ‘breakbone fever’ due to its symptoms.
What Are The Symptoms of Dengue?
Unlike other diseases, dengue has different symptoms depending on the stage it is in. According to the Centers for Disease Control, dengue’s most common symptoms are:
Key Facts
- 1 in 4: About one in four people infected with dengue will get sick.
- For people who get sick with dengue, symptoms can be mild or severe.
- Severe dengue can be life-threatening within a few hours and often requires hospitalization.
Symptoms
- Mild symptoms of dengue can be confused with other illnesses that cause fever, aches and pains, or a rash.
The most common symptom of dengue is fever with any of the following:
- Nausea, vomiting
- Rash
- Aches and pains (eye pain, typically behind the eyes, muscle, joint, or bone pain)
- Any warning sign
Symptoms of dengue typically last 2–7 days. Most people will recover after about a week.
Treatment
- There is no specific medication to treat dengue.
- Treat the symptoms of dengue and see your healthcare provider.
If you think you have dengue
- See a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or have symptoms of dengue. Tell him or her about your travel.
- Rest as much as possible.
- Take acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol outside of the United States) to control fever and relieve pain.
- Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen!
- Drink plenty of fluids such as water or drinks with added electrolytes to stay hydrated.
- For mild symptoms, care for a sick infant, child, or family member at home.
Symptoms of dengue can become severe within a few hours. Severe dengue is a medical emergency.
Severe dengue
- About 1 in 20 people who get sick with dengue will develop severe dengue.
- Severe dengue is a more serious form of disease that can result in shock, internal bleeding, and even death.
- You are more likely to develop severe dengue if you have had a dengue infection before.
- Infants and pregnant women are at increased risk for developing severe dengue.
Symptoms of severe dengue
Warning signs of severe dengue
Watch for signs and symptoms of severe dengue. Warning signs generally begin in the 24–48 hours after your fever has gone away.
If you or a family member develops any of the following symptoms, immediately go to a local clinic or emergency room:
- Stomach or belly pain, tenderness
- Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
- Bleeding from the nose or gums
- Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool
- Feeling tired, restless, or irritable
Treatment of severe dengue
- If you develop any warning signs, see a healthcare provider or go to the emergency room immediately.
- Severe dengue is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention or hospitalization.