Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease common in Pakistan and other tropical countries. Parents especially need to stay vigilant regarding the safety of kids against this disease.
Readout how you can protect your kids from dengue and know about child-friendly methods to stay safe from dengue. because if dengue is not diagnosed and treated promptly it can advance to dengue hemorrhagic fever which is a life-threatening situation.
Babies below the age of 1 year are especially susceptible to the dangerous form of this disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests the following measures to protect kids from mosquito bites that can lead to dengue.
- The use of insect repellent is advised to cover exposed skin of children.
- Only use insect repellents with DEET concentration below 30.
- Avoid mixing insect repellent with sunscreen or other products as you will need to apply again and again which can be toxic.
- For babies under 2 months of age use of DEET containing mosquito repellents is prohibited.
- Use insect repellent carefully and avid using around eyes, mouth, and cuts if any.
- Cover baby cot and stroller with mosquito net.
- Dress kids in long pants and full sleeves. For baby’s use of loose cotton, rompers are a great way to ensure full coverage.
- Keep kids away from places where mosquitoes may gather such as pools of standing water.
- Keep kids inside at dawn, dusk, and early evening for these are the times when mosquitoes are highly active.
- Fix holes in window screens and keep doors and windows shut.
MORE WAYS TO KEEP MOSQUITOES AT BAY
Of course, you want to save your kids from these pesky pests but you also want to limit their exposure to these dangerous chemical products. You cannot overuse sprays, coils, and mosquito repellents as this can lead to toxicity.
Here are some ways to naturally thwart mosquitoes without worrying about chemical exposure.
- Use lemon eucalyptus oil on the skin. It has been proven to be 100% effective against mosquitoes. It gives solid 12-hour protection from mosquito bites. Just avoid using it for kids under 3 years of age. Its use is not approved for them yet.
- The use of catnip essential oil is another way to repel mosquitoes. It will provide 8 hours of guard against mosquitoes.
- Peppermint oil can also be used but in combination with a carrier oil to avoid rashes.
- The use of lemongrass oil is also proven to have mosquito repellent effects. To strengthen its effect it can be mixed with cinnamon bark oil.
- The most obvious prevention tip is to nip the evil in the bud that is to limit the chances of mosquito breeding around you. Keep water tanks covered, drain kids pools, unclog roof gutters, and ensure water or rain does not leave standing pools or accumulate on grounds. Stoe extra containers or flower pots upside down.
- If you suspect your baby has dengue and shows symptoms like excessive sleepiness, rash, and fever contact your child specialist right away.
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