Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a disease that needs to be watched out for when entering the rainy season. now, there is a way to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever that is important to know so that you and your family avoid this disease.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is caused by infection with the dengue virus that enters the human body through mosquito bites Aedes aegypti. These mosquitoes lay eggs and breed in puddles, so there are many in the rainy season.
If not treated properly, dengue can cause dangerous complications. Therefore, you need to know how to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever in order to avoid this disease.
How to spread dengue fever and its symptoms
DHF transmission can occur when you are bitten by a mosquito Aedes aegypti. That's when the dengue virus enters the body. About 4–7 days after being infected with the dengue virus, you may experience the following symptoms of dengue:
- High fever reaching 40°Celsius or more
- Headache
- Nauseous
- Throw up
- Muscle, joint, or bone pain
- Red rash appears on the skin
- Pain behind the eye
- Fatigue
For some people, the symptoms of DHF experienced are relatively mild so they are often mistaken for symptoms of the common cold. The symptoms of dengue fever above generally last for 10 days, then resolve on their own.
In severe cases, dengue can cause a drastic drop in platelets. This condition can be dangerous and has the potential to cause bleeding complications and shock.dengue shock syndrome).
Therefore, you need to be alert and immediately consult a doctor if you experience dangerous symptoms of dengue, such as:
- Severe stomach pain
- Nosebleed
- Bleeding gums
- Easy bruising on the skin
- Chills or chills
- Hard to breathe
- Weak
- Vomiting constantly
- Defecation or urination with blood
How to Prevent DHF
In order to be protected from viruses and mosquitoes that cause dengue fever, there are several ways you can do, including:
1. Installing mosquito nets and screens
Installing mosquito nets on beds and screens on doors and windows can be a way to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever. Mosquito nets and screens can prevent mosquitoes from outside the house from entering the house and biting you. In addition, cover all holes in windows and doors in the house so that mosquitoes cannot enter.
2. Turn on the air conditioner or fan
Some research shows that the flow of air from fans or air conditioners can prevent mosquitoes from flying close to the body.
In addition, mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus can detect body odor when they want to bite the skin. The use of fans or air conditioners is believed to be able to spread the body's natural odor in the room, so that mosquitoes will be confused to find the real source of the odor.
3. Using mosquito repellent
You can also use mosquito repellent spray or topical to prevent dengue mosquito bites. However, make sure you choose an insect repellent that contains safe chemicals, such as DEET, picaridin, or IR3535.
If you want to use natural ingredients, you can choose eucalyptus oil or essential oils made from lavender, lemon, peppermint, or lemongrass.
4. Wearing closed clothes
To prevent mosquito bites, you can also use long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and socks when you are outdoors. Make sure you choose clothes that can absorb sweat so you don't feel too hot.
5. Implement 3M
The 3M program is a government measure to prevent transmission of the dengue virus in the community. This program includes cleaning water reservoirs, such as bathroom tubs, fish ponds, and flower vases, closing water containers, and recycling used items that have the potential to become mosquito breeding grounds.
6. Get the dengue vaccine
Since September 2016, dengue vaccine has been available in Indonesia. This vaccine can be given to children over 9 years of age and adults. Although it cannot prevent mosquito bites, this vaccine can prevent the onset of severe dengue symptoms.
However, the effectiveness of the dengue vaccine so far is uncertain and it is also not recommended to give the vaccine to people who have never been exposed to the dengue virus before. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor if you want to get a dengue vaccine.
7. Consuming vitamin C
In addition to the various ways above, you also need to strengthen your immune system so you are not easily infected with the dengue virus. This immune system can be strengthened by consuming vitamin C which is found in fruits and vegetables, such as guava, oranges, kiwi, broccoli, strawberries, tomatoes, and spinach or taking vitamin C supplements.
Not only with vitamin C, you are also advised to live a healthy lifestyle, including eating high-nutrient foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough rest time, to strengthen your immune system.
However, prevention is better than cure. Therefore, protect yourself by doing various ways to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever above. If you feel the symptoms of dengue fever, especially during the rainy season, immediately go to the doctor or the nearest hospital to get the right treatment.