Malaria is one of the common vector-borne illnesses in India that can affect people across all ages right from kids to elderly people. And if left undiagnosed or unattended, it can cause serious complications that even lead to death. With almost half of the world’s population at risk of malaria, here’s how you can protect yourself and your family from ‘mosquito-bite’ and prevent it.
Why Do Mosquitoes Bite YOU More Than Others?
1. Your blood type is “O”
2. You have mosquito-magnet genes
3. You are pregnant
4. You drink alcohol
Note: Alcohol, pregnancy, and even exercise increase your metabolic rate. You exhale more CO2 and this can attract mosquitoes.
**Consult India’s best doctors here**
Tips To Prevent Mosquito Bites
If you think you’re a mosquito magnet, then here is how you can protect yourself.
-Sleep under a mosquito net. Make sure that the net is not torn and mesh size is not larger than 1.5 mm. Pre-treated nets offer better protection than untreated ones.
-Apply mosquito-repellents before going out
-Cover doors and windows with wire mesh. An ideal wire mesh for this purpose should have 18 X 18 strands per inch in either direction (length and width). Ask for an 18-by-18 wire mesh size for window screens.
-Use mosquito zapping devices like electric bats
-Invest in mosquito-repelling plants, like Tulsi and Lemongrass
-Go for long sleeves in wet summer season (July-October)
Click here to pick from our wide range of mosquito repellents!
Mosquito-breeding Spots In Your Home
No Breeding Sites mean No Mosquitoes. Don’t let water stagnate. Check and clean these spots. Here is how you can do your bit:
-AC trays and room coolers
-Potted plants, flower vases
-Water containers or water tanks
-Dark corners/rooms, behind the curtains
-Dust bins
-Clogged drains
Symptoms To Watch Out For
You may have a combination of the following symptoms:
-Feeling cold followed by shivering, fever, and sweating
-Headache
-Nausea and vomiting
-Abdominal pain and diarrhoea
Find any symptoms mentioned above? Book test online NOW!
Malaria is not just any mosquito bite! If not diagnosed and treated promptly, it can be life-threatening. Every 2 minutes, a child dies of malaria across the world[1]. Hold up your hands for “No More Malaria”!
(The article is reviewed by Dr. Swati Mishra, Medical Editor)
Recommended Reads:
World Malaria Day: Top 10 FAQs Answered!
Are You Applying Mosquito Repellents Correctly?
Reference:
1. Ten things you didn’t know about malaria. UNICEF Press Release. https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/ten-things-you-didnt-know-about-malaria