5 ways to protect yourself from dengue

Use insect repellent: Mosquito bites, which can spread diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and malaria, can be avoided with insect repellent. Use insect repellent that contains active chemicals such as picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or para-menthane-diol (PMD). Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin and avoid applying insect repellent to open wounds, cuts, or irritated skin. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Wear long-sleeved clothes: Wearing full-sleeved clothing is the second best way to prevent dengue bites. Although mosquitos can attack you anytime, you are more likely to get dengue bites when you go outside, such as on a morning walk. So, try to wear long pants and full-sleeve shirts to ensure that your entire body is protected, especially when you are going out. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Keep your surroundings clean: By keeping your surroundings clean, you can reduce the presence of mosquitoes inside and outside of your home. Dustbins and other garbage containers should always be completely covered. Try to dispose of your kitchen and other household waste every day because mosquitoes are attracted to waste due to the presence of bacteria. It is a very common principle – the more you keep up your level of hygiene, the better you can prevent dengue. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Destroy their biological habitats: The breed of dengue thrives in still water; therefore, reducing the habitat available is highly helpful. Empty and clean any items that contain water, such as buckets, flower vases, used car tires, and plastic containers, as mosquitoes lay their eggs close to water. Make sure you clean the area regularly and keep it dry. Additionally, you must never let wet trash accumulate near your home. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Sleep under mosquito-net: Sleeping under the mosquito net provides a double layer of protection from being bitten by mosquitoes to you and your family. You and your kids can get two layers of protection from mosquito bites by sleeping under the mosquito net. Pick a mosquito net that is long enough to fit beneath the mattress, white, rectangular, and compact. They also offer protection against other insects that could cause infections. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock