How to fight dengue, malaria, flu and chikungunya – Symptoms, prevention

With Diwali round the corner, these problems are bound to increase and knowing the symptoms for timely diagnosis and most importantly, our protection becomes our first and foremost priority.

New Delhi: Rains and pollution have given a firm push to mosquito-breeding, which has further paved the way for diseases like dengue, chikungunya, malaria and the flu, especially in Asian countries.

While dengue and malaria have the tendency to become fatal, chikungunya and the flu can develop into something serious if not taken care of on time.

In such a situation, knowledge is our biggest weapon in order to fight back and win against such diseases.

Compiled below, are symptoms and signs you need to watch out for along with protection tips.

Check it out!

Dengue symptoms:

• Sudden onset of high fever
• Headaches
• Muscle and joint pain
• Rashes
• Pain behind the eyes
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhoea
• Vomitting

Chikungunya symptoms:

• Fever
• Joint pain
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Joint pain/swelling
• Rashes

Malaria symptoms:

• Headache
• Fever
• Shivering
• Joint pain
• Vomiting
• Hemolytic anemia
• Jaundice
• Hemoglobin in the urine
• Retinal damage
• Convulsions

Flu/Influenza symptoms:

• Sudden onset of fever
• Cough (usually dry)
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Severe malaise (feeling unwell)
• Sore throat
• Cold with a runny nose

Preventive measures to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes:

• Use mosquito repellents regularly – apply it to your skin, especially to all exposed areas, and clothing. For your skin, opt for a repellent that contains at least a 10 percent concentration of DEET.
• Use camphor as a repellent – you can light camphor in the room with all the doors and windows closed. Leave it for about 15-20 minutes to keep the mosquitoes away. You can also use the lemon and clove technique – just stick some cloves in a half-sliced lemon and keep it near your bed while you sleep.
• Use a mosquito bed net while sleeping.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants and socks.
• Wear covered shoes when outside.
• Avoid exercising outdoors as mosquitoes get attracted to sweat.
• Empty and clean all containers that hold water such as flower pots, flower vases, and animal dishes – at least once a weak – to prevent mosquitoes from breeding at your house.
• Keep your surroundings clean, ensuring that there is no stagnant water, which is a breeding ground for the mosquitoes.
• Try to stay in air-conditioned or well-screened housing.

Flu/Influenza prevention:

Apart from immunisation by vaccine, you can reduce your risk of getting flu or spreading it to other people by adopting the following steps:

• Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
• Discard used tissues in a bin as soon as possible.
• If you have flu, keep distance from others to protect them from becoming infected with the virus.
• Avoid close contact with people who get flu.
• Wash hands regularly with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth and face with unwashed hands as germs and virus can get into your system.
• Keep surfaces such as your keyboard, telephone and door handles clean to get rid of germs
• Drink plenty of water and fluids – lukewarm water or fluids can help in clearing chest congestion.
• If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course.