How to protect Kids from Dengue?

Dengue is also popularly known as "break-bone fever.” This viral disease spreads through severe mosquito bites. A mosquito known as Aedes Aegypti is the principal transmitter of this disease. Every year anywhere from 50 to 390, million people fall ill with dengue, resulting in more than half a million being hospitalized. The main symptom of Dengue is high fever with rashes everywhere on the body. Most kids suffering from Dengue remain ill for about 10 days. Therefore, one can recover from Dengue, if given the right kind of treatment within the prescribed time. Read to know how to protect kids from dengue-  

                                                                 

                                                                      

Protect kids from Dengue

 Check steps on how to protect kids from Dengue

• Citronella Oil-Based Creams - Always ensure that you use citronella oil-based cream, spray, and herbal mosquito repellents to protect your kids from Dengue. Use a repellent that contains 30-50% DEET in it for children over 3 months of age.

• Mosquito Nets - Mosquito nets are essential for kids while they sleep in the afternoon. If you do not already have them, install them on their beds. In addition, fix mosquito meshes on windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering your house.

• Long-Sleeve Clothes - Protect your kids by making them wear loose, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when they go out to play.                                                  

• Staying in safe places - If you are traveling to a dengue-infected area, try to stay in clean hotels and resorts to avoid contact with mosquitoes. In addition, ensure that your room is air-conditioned and that proper measures have been taken to reduce the mosquito population.

• EPA-Registered Repellent - Spray the clothes of your kids with EPA-registered repellent for greater protection. This repellent contains permethrin that helps in keeping mosquitoes away from your kids. Remember, do not use permethrin on the skin.

                 

FAQs related to Dengue

Check tips to protect kids from dengue

Q   What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

A   Headache, really high fever of up to 105 degrees F, rashes on the body, pain in muscles, bones, joints, and eyes, bruising, and mild gum/ nose bleeding are common dengue symptoms. The symptoms may aggravate to vomiting, stomachache, respiratory problems, severe bleeding, nausea, etc.

Q    What is the time duration of dengue?

A. It may take 4 days to 2 weeks when symptoms arise after being bitten by a dengue mosquito., and may last up to a week.

Q. Any precautions to avoid dengue in kids?

A. Restrict the visit to parks and outside so that kids are not infected with dengue. Also, avoid mosquito breeding in your neighborhood.

Q. Suggest a DIY remedy to prevent mosquito bites.

A. Lavender is suitable for preventing mosquito bites as well as soothing skin after insect bites. Simply crush some lavender flowers, and apply the oil to open skin areas such as arms and ankles.

Alternatively, you may buy lavender oil, soak a cotton ball or cloth is a few drops of oil, and apply the same on the skin.

                                      

Hope these tips will help you to safeguard yourself and your family from dengue.

Related links:

Malaria Precautions

Reference- 

healthline.com