How to Protect Yourself From Vector-Borne Diseases?

June is here and so is monsoon; much-awaited relief from the searing summer heat. Almost all of us love the monsoon for the change in the environment. The dried trees are clad with lush green leaves, and the invigorating scent of the earth uplifts the mood. All elders and kids thoroughly enjoy the monsoon.   While the rains help in keeping the temperatures under check, but as time passes, it starts to cripple with a new set of problems. Problems like waterlogging, leading to an exponential rise in the cases of water as well as vector-borne diseases.   So how can you ensure you remain protected? Get a health insurance cover! Health insurance companies specialise in extending coverage for such vector-borne diseases. Insurance companies offer various types of health insurance in India catering to specific illnesses like dengue insurance plans. These specialised insurance plans ensure you and your family remain safe from these illnesses that might be sudden and can take a toll on your health and well-being.   While opting for a health insurance cover is a precautionary measure, there are a few ways that can help you protect and prevent them. Let us have a look -  

• Make use of mosquito nets: As simple as it may sound, it is an effective way to avoid being bitten by the infected arthropods. This simple hack is especially useful when protecting from mosquitoes carrying malaria and dengue symptoms. Make sure you periodically check the net for any damages to restrict the entry of mosquitos while you’re asleep.

 

• Keep your body covered at all times: Keeping your body covered at all times. Opt for clothes such as full-sleeved shirts, blouses, dresses, full-length pants, etc. And make sure you avoid dark colours such as black and navy blue. Instead go for the lighter, pastel shades.

 

• Maintain hygiene: You need to keep your surroundings neat and clean. Dirty places are often breeding grounds for mosquitoes and insects - especially areas where there is stagnant water. So avoid storing water; and if you have to store then ensure that you cover the containers properly. Clean your water tanks, pots, coolers, etc. at least once a week and refill them with fresh water regularly.

 

• Shut the windows and doors before sunset - When the sun goes down, the mosquitoes usually come out. As soon as the sun sets, remember to shut your windows and doors properly so that mosquitoes do not enter. It’s a smart idea to install nets on your windows to block their entry while letting the air come inside.

 

• Mosquito repellents - Keep your home equipped with mosquito repellent lotions, creams and roll-ons. Also, try and use insect sprays during the evenings - especially sprays containing pyrethroids.

 

• Use larvivorous fish - In many places, it is a common practice to use larvivorous fish to ward off mosquitoes. Popularly, fishes like guppy or gambusia are used effectively for mosquito control.

 

• Proper diet - You need to improve your immunity by eating a healthy diet. Include foods in your diet that specifically make the immune system stronger to fight off potential infections and keep you protected at all times.

 

• Risk check - If you are travelling, plan ahead and check the risk. Take some anti-malarial medication and shots beforehand such as chemoprophylaxis on a daily or weekly basis, if the place you are travelling to has a risk of vector-borne diseases. Consult and inform your physician as well. Also, as much as possible, plan trips only during safe times of the year.

  These are the ways you can protect yourself from deadly vector-borne illnesses in the monsoon. While it is important to follow these tips, it is equally essential to have your dengue insurance in place. Take care!