5 Must-Dos To Protect Your Home From Dengue

June 22, 2018

Dengue virus is transmitted only by females of the genus Aedes Aegypti. A tiny bit of an infected mosquito can be a serious illness and sometimes fatal if health complications are not treated immediately. Dengue is a major health problem in the Philippines and is endemic in all regions of the country. According to the Department of Health, a total of 26,042 cases and 136 deaths were reported from January to March 2018. Children from age 6 are at a greater risk of getting the dengue virus. To date, there is no vaccine to prevent and no specific medication against this virus.

Keeping your homes clean and dry drive away mosquitoes and having a healthy body and strong immune system help fight the virus.

Here are some important things that you should do to keep yourself, your family and home free from dengue.

1. Eliminate the mosquito habitat

These mosquitoes breed in swimming pools, ponds, flower vases, spare tires or any open containers. Be sure to clean and replace the water regularly.

2. Declutter your house and yard

As much as possible, keep your house from clutter. Dispose everything that you no longer need. Moisture is high in dark places/areas and it helps mosquitoes lay eggs.

Also, don’t leave your clean clothes hanging outside. Make sure you collect them after drying to avoid swarm of mosquitoes on your clothes. As you notice, the yellow dots on your shirts or pants when exposed in a dark place for a few days are actually mosquito eggs.

3. Spray insecticide on mosquito swarming areas

Apply an insecticide on mosquito-breeding sites in and around your home to get rid of biting insects. Do this daily.

4. Put screens on the doors and windows

Make sure that you repair or replace damaged screens to keep mosquitoes out of the house. Use an air conditioner if possible or use mosquito nets when sleeping.

5. Apply an anti-mosquito lotion

Applying a mosquito repellent lotion that protects you for 8-10 hours a day also helps. Wearing light colored clothes, pajamas and long sleeves also help in keeping the mosquitoes from biting you.

There are also mosquito-repelling plants that you can have in your garden such as citronella, basil and lavender.

In case you were bitten by a mosquito and you suspect that you have dengue fever, watch out for the following symptoms: a high fever (40 degrees celsius) for almost 3 days accompanied by a severe headache, muscle/joint pains, stomach ache, rashes or vomiting.  If you have these symptoms, go to the hospital immediately. Don’t panic but don’t take the dengue fever lightly either.

Being in this situation, whether you or any of your family member, will definitely cause you too much stress and worries. Be prepared by getting a health insurance that provides financial assistance during hospitalization.

Have a peace of mind by applying for HealthCare Cash Plan - a Paramount Direct health care product that offers an affordable and easy payment options. You may choose from individual, couple or family coverage. For more information, call 772-9264.

Don’t wait until somebody gets sick especially if you have kids at home. Prevention is always better than cure so, act now!

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