Ways To Prevent Malaria During Monsoons

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Do you often feel unwell during the monsoon season? It is common knowledge that monsoon brings with it a host of illnesses. Most of us look forward to the monsoon season after the blistering heat of summer, yet not many are aware that this is the time of the year when everyone is vulnerable to diseases.

Some of the health problems that occur during the monsoon season include poor digestion, food poisoning, dysentery, typhoid, flu, cough, cold, viral fever, throat infection, diarrhoea and cholera. The other most common disease that shoots up during in this season is malaria. Usually malaria occurs throughout the year, but this deadly disease is most predictable during the rainy season.

Heavy downpour and stagnant murky water can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes and this can eventually lead to malaria. Malaria is an infectious disease that is caused by the bite of an infected mosquito. This mosquito-borne plasmodium parasite infects the red blood cells which eventually worsens the condition.

Malaria can turn out to be fatal if preventive measures are not taken against the disease. There are four kinds of malaria parasites which infect humans such as Plasmodium falciparum, P. vivax, P. ovale, and P. malariae.

The symptoms of this deadly disease include fever, chills, vomiting, nausea, body ache, headache, cough and diarrhoea. If left untreated it can turn to complications like anaemia, jaundice, dehydration, brain malaria, liver failure and kidney failure. You can prevent malaria naturally by maintaining your personal hygiene.

Here are a few tips for natural malaria prevention.

Stay hydrated
You can prevent malaria naturally by staying fully hydrated during the monsoon season. It is important to keep your water content topped up otherwise there are chances of you getting dehydrated. Keeping yourself hydrated is important if you have to deal with the humidity otherwise it will make it difficult for your body to release heat. When outdoors try to buy juices packed in tetra packs or try to sip coconut water.

Don’t step out
Try to stay away from places where it’s dirty and damp since it can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. As natural malaria prevention avoid going out regularly after dusk.

Avoid dark colours
Dressing in light coloured outfits can keep the mosquitoes at bay and can help you to prevent malaria naturally. If you wear dark coloured clothes then there are chances of you attracting mosquitoes so try to avoid loud colours.

Mosquito screens
A way to prevent malaria naturally is by using mosquito screens, nets and fibre glass meshes for your doors or windows. You can also prevent mosquitoes from biting you at night by using magnetic insect repellent screens on your windows. Sleeping under bed nets is also a must during daytime naps. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) of houses can be an effective prevention against malaria.

Stay in cold temperatures
Staying in air-conditioned spaces can prevent malaria naturally. Mosquitoes will never thrive in cold temperatures so make sure to stay in cool areas for natural malaria prevention.

Citronella oil-based creams
It is important to be fully clothed if you want to avoid mosquito bite. Cover the exposed parts of your body with mosquito repellents or citronella oil-based creams. Make sure to mop the floor using few drops of citronella oil in water as this can keep flies and mosquitoes away. Bites usually occur between dawn and dusk so if you want to prevent malaria naturally wear long-sleeved garments to keep the arms and legs covered after sundown.

Chemoprophylaxis
If your job makes you travel to malaria-endemic areas then use Chemoprophylaxis for natural malaria prevention. However, it is also important to consult your doctor before using the drug.

These are some of the tips to prevent malaria naturally.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.