Stay Safe, Prevent Dengue!
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can affect people of all ages. It is mainly transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which commonly breed in stagnant water around homes and communities. Taking simple preventive measures can help reduce mosquito breeding and lower the risk of dengue transmission.
Dengue prevention begins with awareness and everyday precautions. By keeping your surroundings clean, preventing stagnant water from collecting, and protecting yourself from mosquito bites, you can help safeguard your family and community.
How to Prevent Dengue
1. Prevent Mosquito Breeding
Do not allow water to collect in buckets, flowerpots, discarded containers, tyres, coolers, roof gutters, or other areas around your home. Empty and clean water containers regularly to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
2. Keep Your Surroundings Clean
Regularly clean your home, garden, balconies, and nearby areas. Dispose of waste properly and remove objects that can collect rainwater.
3. Wear Protective Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and other protective clothing when mosquitoes are active. Covering exposed skin can help reduce the chances of mosquito bites.
4. Use Mosquito Repellents
Apply an appropriate mosquito repellent to exposed skin as directed on the product label. Repellents can provide additional protection, particularly in areas where dengue transmission is common.
5. Use Mosquito Nets and Screens
Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially for infants, children, older adults, and people who may be resting during the daytime. Window and door screens can also help reduce mosquitoes entering your home.
6. Remove Stagnant Water
Check your surroundings regularly for standing water. Empty, clean, or cover water storage containers and other items that may collect water.
7. Protect Your Family and Community
Dengue prevention is a shared responsibility. Encourage family members, neighbours, and community members to remove mosquito breeding sites and maintain clean surroundings.
Recognise Dengue Symptoms
Common symptoms of dengue may include sudden fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and skin rash. Symptoms can vary from person to person.
If you develop symptoms after possible exposure to dengue, consult a qualified healthcare professional for appropriate medical evaluation. Seek urgent medical care if severe symptoms develop.
Commonly Used Medicines and Supportive Care for Dengue
There is no specific antiviral medicine that cures dengue. Medical treatment generally focuses on managing symptoms, maintaining hydration, and monitoring the patient for warning signs. Any medicine should be used only according to the advice of a qualified healthcare professional.
1. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)
Composition: Paracetamol / Acetaminophen
Paracetamol may be recommended by healthcare professionals to help reduce fever and relieve body aches associated with dengue. The appropriate dose depends on the patient's age, weight, and medical condition and should be taken only as directed.
2. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
Composition: Glucose and essential electrolytes, commonly including Sodium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, and Sodium Citrate.
ORS helps replace fluids and electrolytes that may be lost due to fever, vomiting, sweating, or reduced fluid intake. Maintaining adequate hydration is an important part of supportive dengue care.
3. Intravenous Fluids
Common Composition: Sodium Chloride 0.9% Injection or other appropriate IV fluids, as determined by healthcare professionals.
Patients who cannot maintain adequate hydration or develop warning signs may require intravenous fluids in a hospital or clinical setting. The type and quantity of IV fluid must be determined and monitored by healthcare professionals.
Important Medicine Precaution
Patients with suspected or confirmed dengue should not self-medicate with Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs unless specifically advised by a healthcare professional, as these medicines may increase the risk of bleeding.
Always consult a qualified doctor before taking medicines for dengue, especially for children, pregnant women, older adults, and patients with existing medical conditions.
Stay Alert, Stay Protected
Preventing dengue requires consistent action. Simple habits such as removing stagnant water, wearing protective clothing, using mosquito repellents, and maintaining clean surroundings can help reduce exposure to mosquitoes.
Stay informed, take preventive measures, and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can help create healthier and safer communities with fewer mosquito breeding sites.
Protect yourself. Protect your family. Prevent dengue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How can dengue be prevented?
Dengue prevention includes avoiding mosquito bites, removing stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, wearing protective clothing, and keeping surroundings clean.
2. Why is stagnant water a dengue risk?
Stagnant water can provide breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes. Removing standing water helps reduce potential mosquito breeding areas.
3. Can mosquito repellent help prevent dengue?
Yes. Using an appropriate mosquito repellent according to the product instructions can help reduce mosquito bites and exposure.
4. How can I protect my family from dengue?
Keep your surroundings free from stagnant water, use mosquito nets and screens, wear protective clothing, and use mosquito repellent when appropriate.
5. What medicine is commonly used for dengue fever?
Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) may be used under medical guidance to help manage fever and body aches. Adequate hydration with fluids or ORS is also important. Consult a healthcare professional for appropriate treatment.
6. What should I do if I develop dengue-like symptoms?
Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice and evaluation, especially if you have a high fever or other concerning symptoms.
7. Is dengue caused by mosquitoes?
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted primarily through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
8. Can Aspirin or Ibuprofen be taken during dengue?
Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs should generally be avoided in suspected or confirmed dengue unless specifically recommended by a healthcare professional because of the potential increased risk of bleeding.
