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The rains are here to stay for a week or two. With the monsoon’s arrival, the mosquitoes are back with fervour and so is dengue, malaria, chicken guinea and many such infections. No offence! Yes, rains bring a comforting respite from the hot and scorching summer heat that has been prickling our lives. But at this point, we can NOT afford to fall sick. Our battle against mosquitoes is far less gruesome than taking our chances to visit a hospital (if we show symptoms of dengue/malaria and other mosquito bite-related diseases, that is). So this Monsoon, how about we take precautions and opt for home remedies as well as natural mosquito repellents to keep our families safe?
Prevention is always better than cure. Mosquitoes are the most dangerous insects and it is vital that we take precautionary measures to stay healthy. Some of the common diseases are Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya, Stomach Flu, Diarrhea, Viral Infections, etc.
Natural mosquito repellents for Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya:
1. Dengue
Just as coronavirus, there’s no specific cure for dengue. Dengue is a febrile disease, marked by fever and chills along with decreased platelet and leukocyte count and increased liver function and body pain. One must make the required efforts needed to keep yourself and your child away from dengue. It is scary to fight dengue fever amidst the pandemic chaos. A common monsoon disease caused when bitten by the infected ‘Aides’ mosquito can be brought under control by:
(i) First and foremost, never allow any stagnant water in and around your house
(ii) Throw your organic garbage outside every day, specifically in the municipal bin
(iii) A clean, dry, and hygienic home is the need of the hour
(iv) You can also burn camphor in the evening for 15-20 minutes. This is one of the best homemade mosquito repellents.
(v) Keep a Tulsi (Holy Basil) Plant indoors to get rid of mosquitoes. Do not let water stagnate when watering the mosquito repellent plant. If so, let it dry in the sun before getting it indoors.
(vi) Use of mosquito repellents such as Picaridin as it offers protection from the pest
(vii) Bath your baby twice a day with lemon Eucalyptus Oil. Eucalyptus is a mosquito repellent plant.
(viii) The intake of lots of organic juices is a must
(ix) Some also believe the intake of eating garlic offers mild protection from mosquitoes, both from the odor on your breath as well as sulfur compounds that you emit through your skin
(x) In most cases, dengue is self-limiting therefore the symptoms subside after the infection has run its course over a week to 10 days. However, as with any viral fever, it is important to stay hydrated throughout
2. Malaria
Did you know the virus Malaria is carried by the female anopheles mosquito, which is an evening and early morning biter? Yes, the mosquito attacks when your child is sleeping. Hence it is a very common waterborne disease. This starts with high fever, body pain, and cold and sometimes leads to jaundice and diarrhea. Below are some of the measures you can adopt to prevent malaria.
(i) Cover your child with protective and light clothing and do not allow them to play outside after the sunset
(ii) The use of bed nets must be adhered to. Visit Amazon to purchase Classic Mosquito Net Foldable King Size (Double Bed) with Free Saviours – (Blue)
(iii) DEET – Is the most commonly used safe mosquito repellent spray that you can spray outside the premises of the house
(iv) Avoid areas where malaria and mosquitoes are present if you are at higher risk (for example, if you are pregnant, very young, or very old)
(v) Permethrin is one of the mosquito repellents that you can spray onto the clothes, however, it’s best to consult the pediatrician before its use
3. Chikungunya
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine yet for Chikungunya, which is caused when bitten by Chikungunya infected mosquitoes. The victim Pain experiences joint pains for several months. We can prevent this disease by these preventive measures:
(i) Discard stagnant water of any kind to obstruct the breeding of these mosquitoes
(ii) Perform a general deep cleaning activity in and around your house and community
(iii) Did you know fish is a great way of keeping mosquitoes under control? Yes, have a fish pond at home as a natural mosquito repellent
(iv) Get Fabric agents that contain mosquito repellents, e.g. Mom & World Baby Mosquito Repellent Baby Lotion 200ml
(v) Use mosquito repellent lotions for children. Ensure it doesn’t cause skin irritation
(vi) An ELISA Blood test is advised if you have the slightest joint pain
Besides this, use fragrance-free baby products, apply natural mosquito repellents, wash and sanitize your hands and the baby’s with a sanitizer, give your child lots of liquids, and always have a small medical kit at home for immediate assistance. Consult your doctor before giving medicines to your child.
That was so helpful..