how to avoid dengue fever - #23080
I am really concerned right now because I just moved to a tropical area for work, and my coworker told me about dengue fever. I can't stop thinking about it since I've already seen a few mosquitoes buzzing around my apartment! I live near a lot of water, which I know can be a breeding ground. I read a little about how to avoid dengue fever but don’t know if I’m doing the right things. I've started using repellent, but sometimes I forget to apply it before I go out. I also tried to cover up with long sleeves, but it’s so hot and uncomfortable! Can anyone tell me tips on how to avoid dengue fever, especially when I might not be able to be super careful all the time? I’ve heard about getting rid of standing water and things like that, but what if I miss something? Like, am I really supposed to be super meticulous about my surroundings? I want to know what else I can do besides just wearing repellent all the time. Any advice on how to avoid dengue fever without being paranoid would be super helpful! Is there anything I can use in my home, like plants or something, that can help?
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Doctors' responses
Dengue fever is indeed a concern in tropical areas, but there are several practical steps you can take to minimize your risk. Starting with what you’re already aware of, using insect repellent is crucial, especially during daylight hours when the Aedes mosquitoes that transmit dengue are most active. To avoid forgetting, you could keep your repellent near your keys or by the door as a visual reminder. Covering up with long sleeves is helpful, although I understand the discomfort in a hot climate. When that’s not feasible, wearing light-colored clothes has been advised, as they are less attractive to these mosquitoes.
Managing standing water around where you live is quite important. Mosquitoes breed in even small quantities of water, so it’s necessary to check and empty items like plant pots or tarps that might collect rainwater. Perhaps set aside a specific day each week to focus on this so it doesn’t become overwhelming. Mosquito nets or screens can be useful for keeping mosquitoes out of your living space, and you might consider installing them if they aren’t already in place.
There are no plants proven to deter mosquitoes significantly, but some people find that having lemongrass or citronella can augment other measures when placed strategically. Ultimately, combining these efforts will be most effective. Though it does require vigilance, try to create a routine that blends these practices into your everyday life so it doesn’t become burdensome, which will make it easier to maintain your efforts without paranoia.
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