While the rainy season comes brings with it the delicious cuddle weather, it also comes with traffic, flooding, and an increased risk for dengue.
Dengue is a tropical virus that is carried by an infected mosquito. While mild cases can be almost inconsequential and last a few days, other cases can be deadly.
How to protect our children against this virus?
Stay away from areas where there is stagnant water. These areas include lakes, creeks, ponds.
Eliminate potential breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Do a thorough inspection of your home and check if there are empty tires, buckets, or pots that may gather stagnant water and become a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Use an insect repellant while outdoors. There are many options available in the supermarket.. Even Lemongrass oil and Virgin Coconut oils have been found to be natural mosquito repellants.
Wear pants, and if possible, long sleeves while outdoors. While mosquitoes can bite through pants, it still helps to have an extra layer or protection on top of the repellant.
If your child does get bitten by a mosquito and suddenly falls ill, observe for the common signs and symptoms of dengue fever.
High fever. If your child is burning up and does not seem to respond to fever reducing medicines, use a thermometer to monitor her temperature. If her temperature reaches 105°F or 40°C, this could be symptom of dengue.
Body pain. If your child complaining about pain in specific areas of the body, namely the eyes, the joints, muscles and/or bones.
Severe headaches. Is your child frequently complaining of headaches, dizziness, or nausea?
Rashes. Does your child have prominent red rash all over the body?
Mild bleeding. Has your child had a nosebleed lately? What about mild mild bleeding in the gums.
Bruising. Is your child bruising more than usual in her arms and legs?
If your child is showing any of these symptoms, get in touch with your pediatrician as soon as possible. To determine if your child has dengue, the doctor will examine your child, and take a sample of your child’s blood for the disease. The sooner your child is diagnosed, the sooner she can be treated.
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