Indians love monsoon. And why would not they? After all, this is the season that gives relief from the scorching heat of the sun during the dreadful and difficult summer. There is something mysterious and frightening yet calming about the dark clouds. Everybody enjoys the season in their own way. Monsoon calls for fun and frolic. While some love getting drenched in the rain, others enjoy staying indoors sipping a hot cuppa and devour delectable pakodas watching the rainfall.

Amidst everything lovely about monsoon, there is something that is very unfortunate. It is the risk of getting infected with vector-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and malaria. This makes it extremely important for everybody to ensure that they take the necessary precautions to prevent these conditions.

Here is a list of ways and tips to prevent all vector-borne diseases:

I. Use Mosquito Nets- Keep everybody in your family safe by ensuring the use of mosquito nets while sleeping. This is the easiest, most effective and a natural way to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. Check and repair for any damages to restrict mosquitoes from getting inside. Ensure to tuck the net properly.

II. Close Doors and Windows before Sunset- Mosquitoes are usually more active during and post-sunset hence ensure you close the doors and windows before sunset.

III. Keep Your Body Covered As Much As Possible- Wear clothes that keep you fully covered. Go for full-sleeved shirts, kurtas, blouses or dresses; full-length pants, pyjamas, leggings, etc. Try to wear pastels or light colored clothes.

IV. Keep Your Environment and Surroundings Clean- This is one of the most important ways to prevent all vector-borne diseases as this restricts the growth of mosquitoes in the first place. Clean and mop your house every day. Get rid of excess and stagnant water as these are the breeding ground for mosquitoes. Avoid storing water in pots, tyre, tanks, and coolers. And if you must store then cover all kinds of breeding places like water storage tanks and containers. Also, clean them on a weekly basis and refill with fresh water. Fill the breeding grounds as and where possible.

V. Use Larvivorous Fish- Use of larvivorous fish for mosquito control is a known practice in many places. Fishes like guppy or gambusia can be used in fountains, aquariums, ornamental tanks and other places to combat mosquitoes effectively.

VI. Eat Foods that Can Cope with the Infections- There are certain food items that are known to have properties to cope with infections before the immune system is damaged further. Make your immune system stronger and a barrier for these diseases with proper diet.

VII. Use Mosquito Repellent- Try to use insect spray containing pyrethroids during the evenings and nights in your house especially around the sleeping areas. Also, apply insect repellent lotions and creams to all the exposed area of your body. There are mosquito repellent roll-ons available as well that you can dab on your clothes.

VIII. Determine the Level of Risk- If you are planning to travel or go for a holiday; check the risk of getting affected with malaria, dengue and chikungunya at the destination beforehand. Things to consider include the time of the year of your travel, the duration of your stay, the location of your stay and the activities you wish to do. Take all the necessary measures to safeguard yourself.

IX. Get an Antimalarial- Depending on the risk level, you may need to take anti-malarial medication like chemoprophylaxis on a daily or weekly basis to prevent malaria. Consult a doctor to get complete guidance about how and when to take the medicine. Check with your physician to suggest any medicine to prevent chikungunya and dengue as well.

All these tips will help you in a great way to prevent vector-borne illnesses. However, if you exhibit symptoms of any of the infections, your doctor may recommend blood tests. Nightingales brings lab services at your doorstep, to know more visit

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Dengue NS1 Test – https://www.nightingales.in/lab-tests/tests/dengue-ns1-antigen-rapid-lab/55c0e28202c54d0c001bf42d

Dengue Antibody IGG Elisa Test – https://www.nightingales.in/lab-tests/tests/dengue-antibody-igg-elisa-lab/55c0e28702c54d0c001bf775

Image Credits – Water vector created by freepik – www.freepik.com