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The rainy season brings cool relief from the summer, but it also increases the risk for dengue fever. Frequent rains leave stagnant waters, which create an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes that may carry serious infections.
The good news is that dengue is preventable. Simple daily habits and a few smart precautions can go a long way in keeping your home and loved ones safe.
Learn these simple steps on how to prevent dengue at home or outdoors, so your family can stay healthy, safe, and dengue-free.
Get Rid of Stagnant Water
Dengue spreads through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. This insect can lay its eggs in the smallest and most familiar spaces at home, whether in pots, drains, or even broken tiles.
Make sure to check these common areas in your home where mosquitoes can breed, and take the proper actions.
- Plant pots: Loosen hard soil, so it can absorb water. Clear the holes where excess water can exit. Flip over pot plates or empty pots.
- Gutters: Remove leaves or other debris that can trap water.
- Broken tiles or pavements: Scrub the area with bleach or soap solution every few days.
- Drains: Once a week, pour cleaning solutions like vinegar or lavender-scented bleach into the kitchen and bathroom drains.
- Vases: Change water at least once a week.
- Kitchen tools: Rinse your dish-drying rack, water dispenser trays, soap containers, or anything that’s frequently exposed to water.
- Pails: Cover pails or turn them over when not in use.
Grow Mosquito-Repellent Plants
Channel your inner plantito or plantita, and add one (or maybe even more!) mosquito-repellent plants to your home. Having these plants is one of the best ways to prevent dengue fever since they naturally ward off those pesky mosquitoes. Plus, you can even use them when prepping your baon and many other home-cooked meals.
- Lemongrass (Tanglad): It produces citronella oil, a common ingredient in natural mosquito repellents.
- Basil: This hardy herb grows anywhere, even in small kitchen pots. When it grows, trim the stalks and propagate in new containers—or make a big batch of pesto.
- Rosemary: This plant thrives in sun-drenched areas, such as condo balconies or south-facing windows.
- Mint: Got a black thumb or limited garden space? Mint needs barely any maintenance. Just place the pot in a partially shady area, and water it every 3 to 4 days.
- Sage: The scent of fresh leaves repels mosquitoes and can also elevate the flavor of your roast chicken, too. Win-win!
There are plenty of other mosquito-repellent plants you can grow, along with creative ways to use them beyond simple display. If you need ideas, you can easily reload your prepaid home internet and browse online for DIY tips, gardening guides, and even studies on how these plants help keep mosquitoes away.
Manage Mosquito’s Hiding Spots
Mosquitoes and other household bugs love dark, secluded areas like behind the aparador, under the sala furniture, or even the dishwashing area. Pay attention to these areas at home, and don’t let them turn these spaces into their private breeding spots.
- Deep clean once a month. Remove clutter like unused containers where mosquitoes can hide.
- Fumigate every 7 to 10 days. Fumigate every week. It takes 7 to 10 days for hatched mosquito eggs to become adult mosquitoes. Spray insecticides into damp, dark spaces like your laundry room or bathroom. You can also use odorless or natural insect sprays in bedrooms.
- Light scented repellants every day. Place insect coils or katols under dining tables, living room furniture, shaded corners of patios, or playrooms. Sensitive to the smell of katol? Try scented candles, aromatherapy diffusers, or incense sticks. Look for these fragrances: citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint.
Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites Outdoors
Do you feel like you’re a mosquito magnet? It may be true since, aside from your specified blood type, factors like carbon dioxide, body odor, and heat can also attract mosquitoes.
But you can keep mosquitoes at bay. Wear light colognes with citrus or herbal scents, which they hate. Apply mosquito repellent lotions to exposed skin.
You can also avoid wearing colors that attract mosquitoes, such as red, orange, black, and cyan.
Finally, avoid going out early in the morning or late in the afternoon, as this is when mosquitoes are most active.
Watch Out for Common Dengue Symptoms
Be alert and look for early signs of dengue in your family members. Remember, dengue symptoms usually appear 4 to 6 days after infection and last for up to 10 days.
- Sudden high fever (40°C/104°F)
- Headaches
- Joint and muscle pain
- Pain behind the eyes
- Nausea or vomiting
- Skin rashes
- Mild nosebleeds or bruises
Many dengue symptoms can mimic a bad cold or flu. But most people with dengue may show a dengue fever temperature pattern: a sudden high fever that disappears for one day and then returns. This is usually accompanied by a rash.
Always consult a doctor if you or your family member has a high fever accompanied by one or more other signs of dengue. A doctor can order blood tests to confirm the condition and severity, and recommend the best dengue treatment.
Stay One Step Ahead Against Dengue
Dengue is a serious threat, and safety starts within your home. Now that you know how to prevent dengue, take these steps to mosquito-proof your home. Stock up on sprays, repellents, mosquito nets, and other dengue protection essentials. When you load up with Go+ promos through the GlobeOne app, you can also enjoy Rewards points and access available discount vouchers from participating partners. Use them to save on everyday health and household needs.
If you notice unusual symptoms, consult online through KonsultaMD. With a reliable home internet plan, you can reach out to doctors anytime about dengue or other health concerns.
Protecting your family starts with simple everyday habits and quick access to the right support. With the right essentials and reliable connectivity, staying prepared against dengue becomes easier at home.
