fbpixel

Our website uses cookies to help enhance your browsing experience. Continue to browse our site if you agree to our use of cookies as described in Unilab's Cookie Policy .

For information on how we protect your privacy, please read our Privacy Policy .

Dengue Prevention Tips at Home

Dengue Prevention Tips at Home

Learn more on how you can prevent the spread of dengue at home with these simple tips.

Medically Inspected by: Loreta D. Dayco MD, Maria Nathalia V. Paat-Capulong MD

The start of the rainy season has been announced by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) and while that can mean cooler temperatures this June, it also signals the start of the dengue season. Moist environments and more frequent bouts of rain makes it easier for mosquitoes to breed and to spread the disease within communities.  

Dengue is a dangerous viral infection that is spread through the bite of a specific species of mosquitoes called Aedes aegepti and the female Aedes albopictus. It is one of the fastest spreading vector-borne diseases in the world and is endemic to 100 countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that the symptoms of dengue can range from subclinical (those who may not know that they are infected) to severe flu-like infections that can lead to organ failure and even death. Learn more about the simple preventive measures that you can practice at home to help stop the spread of this disease in your neighborhood.

 

Look out for the initial symptoms

Dengue starts out with a high fever of 40°C or 104°F and can manifest other symptoms like:

  • Rashes
  • Muscle/joint pain
  • Vomiting
  • Headache/nausea
  • Pain behind the eyes

More severe cases of dengue called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) may cause more serious symptoms like bleeding gums, blood in stools/urine, and persistent vomiting. Proceed to your nearest hospital at the first onset of severe symptoms.

Although dengue can pose a serious threat to your health, it can be avoided if you apply some simple changes within your homes and your communities. Read more to learn about some common practices that you can start doing today.

 

Clean your surroundings

Mosquitoes thrive in moist and damp places like the nooks under your kitchen sink, rain gutters, and unkempt areas inside and outside your home. While it is wise to keep stocks of water inside basins for future use, stagnant water is the best environment for mosquitoes to multiply and infiltrate your home. Regularly drain and clean water jugs and even pet water bowls to prevent the spread of dengue in your community. Look out for garbage waste like spare tires and dispose them accordingly.

 

Invest in the essentials

Take out your trusty mosquito net (kulambo) to add an extra layer of protection in your bedroom. Mosquito repellents are readily available in supermarkets and drugstores and are usually safe for children to use. Here are some other tips on what you can do and what you should avoid during dengue season:

DO’S

DON’TS

  • Purchase citronella-based products for your home.
  • Wear clothes that offer more coverage like long sleeves and pants.
  • Install screens on your windows and doors.
  • Buy odorless insecticides and keep away from the reach of children and pets.
  • Have a medicine kit on hand in case of an emergency (update your kit every 3 months).
  • Avoid mosquito coils that may cause health risks for those with respiratory conditions.
  • Do not wear dark-colored clothing.
  • Avoid spending too much time outside your home most especially in areas that are infested with mosquitoes.
  • Reconsider getting fumigation services that will not address the root cause of infestation in your community. Consult your local authorities or building administration first. 


There is currently no known cure or vaccine for dengue, but its symptoms can be treated. Symptoms typically arise after a few days of getting bitten, so it is important to stay vigilant and to monitor yourself and your family. Always keep your homes clean and make an effort to dry your surroundings during the rainy season. Consult your doctor should initial symptoms arise.

 

General disclaimer

Your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice for your condition. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at 8-UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph. Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers.

 

Sources:

Dengue and severe dengue. Who.int. (2020). Retrieved 15 June 2020, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue.

Dengue fever - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. (2020). Retrieved 15 June 2020, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dengue-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20353078.

Dengue | CDC. Cdc.gov. (2020). Retrieved 15 June 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/index.html.

Dengue | Department of Health website. Doh.gov.ph. (2020). Retrieved 15 June 2020, from https://www.doh.gov.ph/Health-Advisory/Dengue.

Was this article helpful?