हिंदी
CHANDIGARH
Malaria, the mosquito-borne disease, is caused by plasmodium parasites. The malaria mosquito often bites at night and if infected, the symptoms get visible after 10 days of the bite. Malaria is diagnosed by the microscopic test of the visuals of the virus.
Most people get confused that infection of dengue and malaria is similar to each other but in reality, it is different. Malaria gets infected at night but dengue mosquitoes bite in day.
Most common symptoms of malaria, which go from mild to severe if not taken care of, are fever, nausea, headache, body pain, and diarrhoea.
To avoid mosquito bites, medical experts recommend the following:
- As per suggestion, apply insect repellent to exposed skin as it contains 20-35% per cent N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) which will prevent infection.
- During these times choose long-sleeved apparels and long pants if you are going out at night.
- Spread a mosquito net over the bed if your bedroom is not air-conditioned. For extra protection, treat the mosquito net with the insecticide permethrin before going to bed.
- Spray an insecticide or repellent on clothing before going out, as mosquitoes may bite through thin layered clothing.
- Spray pyrethrin or a similar insecticide in your bedroom before going to bed.
- Planning a vacation during this season? Then research about your destination and the risk of getting malaria. Things you should consider are: month you are travelling, the duration of your stay, the activities you are planning to do and your stay, which will provide all the facilities. The risk for an infection can vary considerably, even within the same country.
- If you’re using sunscreen and repellent at the same time, sunscreen should be applied first and the insect repellent second. Because sunscreen containing at least 30 to 50 SPF lotions is recommended. At night you still need to use repellent, because sunscreen isn’t required from dusk to dawn.
- To prevent malaria or if you are fighting against the infection then stay hydrated, drink hot milk by adding a pinch of turmeric (haldi) in it which will boost your immune system and give you good sleep.
- After using protective measures against malaria you still need to be extra careful.
