Mosquito-Borne Diseases: How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Medical statistics suggest that 1 in 4 Indian families have been hit by a mosquito-borne illness in a span of three years. Collectively, vector-borne diseases account for more than 17% of all infectious diseases globally and are responsible for more than 700,000 deaths annually. Mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent in many parts of the world, and understanding how to protect yourself and your family is crucial for staying healthy.

Understanding Mosquito-Borne Diseases

Mosquitoes are vectors for a number of diseases, including malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, Zika virus, yellow fever, etc. These diseases are caused by parasites, viruses, or bacteria that are transmitted to humans through mosquito bites. The hot and humid climate of Mumbai, the presence of stagnantwater, poor sanitation levels, as well as theongoing infrastructure upgradeare some reasons to blame for breeding mosquitoes. Here are some common mosquito-borne diseases:

• Malaria
  Cause: Malaria is a parasitic infection transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes carrying the Plasmodium parasite.
  Symptoms: The onset of malaria symptoms typically occurs 10 to 15 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms include high fever, chills, sweats, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, and body aches. In severe cases, it can lead to complications like anemia, jaundice, and organ failure.
• Dengue Fever
  Cause: Dengue fever is a viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti.
  Symptoms: Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, and a characteristic skin rash.
• Zika Virus
  Cause: Zika virus is a viral infection primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.
  Symptoms: Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes (conjunctivitis), muscle pain, and headache.
• Chikungunya
  Cause: Chikungunya is a viral infection transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes.
  Symptoms: Symptoms include fever, joint pain (arthralgia), muscle pain, headache, and a characteristic skin rash.

Tips for Protecting Yourself and Your Family

Here are some helpful and essential tips to follow to reduce the incidents of mosquito bites:

• Use Insect repellant
  Apply insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to exposed skin when outdoors, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
• Wear Protective Clothing
  Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and closed-toe shoes to minimize exposed skin.
• Use Mosquito Net
  Sleep under mosquito nets, especially if you’re in an area where mosquito-borne diseases are prevalent.
• Eliminate Standing Water
  Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water, so empty any containers or objects that collect water around your home, such as flowerpots, buckets, and bird baths.
• Screen your Windows
  Keep windows and doors covered with a net to prevent mosquitoes from entering your home.
• Avoid Outdoor Activities
  Mosquitoes are most active during dawn and dusk, so try to limit outdoor activities during these times.

Mosquito-borne diseases pose a significant health risk to individuals and families around the world. By taking proactive measures to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito bites, you can reduce the risk of contracting these potentially dangerous diseases. However, if you or a family member is infected by a mosquito-borne infectious disease, reach out to doctors at our Department of Internal Medicine for appropriate medication and care. Please find below the website for more details: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/internalmedicine.html

Whether you’re busy chasing goals of the corporate world, juggling deadlines as a freelancer, mastering the art of multitasking as a homemaker, or burning the midnight oil as a student, one thing is for sure – your smile is your superpower! What steps do you take every day to maintain a healthy and white smile? Dental care and oral hygiene are more important than you think.Many Indians are affected by dental problems like tooth decay, periodontal disease, cavities, and oral cancer. Medical statistics suggest that over 95% of adults in India have dental cavities and over 50% of adults suffer from periodontal disease.

Importance of Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and well-being. Beyond the aesthetic aspect of a bright smile, proper oral care prevents a myriad of health issues. Brushing, flossing, and regular dental check-ups are fundamental practices to prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath. Neglecting oral hygiene can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, which harbor harmful bacteria that can cause cavities and gum inflammation, eventually leading to periodontal disease. Moreover, poor oral health has been linked to systemic health problems such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

Simple Habits for Maintaining Good Oral Health

Follow these habits regularly for better oral health:

• Brush Twice a Day
  The cornerstone of any good dental care routine is, you guessed it, brushing your pearly whites! Make it a habit to brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bedtime. Choose a fluoride toothpaste and use a soft-bristled brush to gently massage your gums and remove plaque buildup.
• Floss Daily
  While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing gets into those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies where stubborn food particles and plaque love to hide. Make it a habit to floss daily, preferably at bedtime.
• Watch your Diet
  You are what you eat, and your teeth are no exception! Avoid sugary and sticky snacks that can wreak havoc on your dental health. Instead, opt for tooth-friendly foods like crunchy fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated and your smile sparkling.
• Limit your Coffee and Tea Intake
  Excessive consumption of coffee and tea can stain your teeth over time, leaving you with a less-than-dazzling smile. Try to limit your intake and rinse your mouth with water afterward to minimize staining.
• Quit smoking
  Smoking poses a significant threat to oral health by compromising the body’s immune system, hindering tissue recovery, particularly within the mouth. It is also known to increase risk of gum disease and adversely affects breath odor and alters the appearance of teeth and tongue through discoloration.
• Stay Hydrated
  Speaking of water, staying hydrated is not only essential for your overall health but also for your oral health. Drinking water helps wash away food particles and bacteria, neutralizes acids in your mouth, and stimulates saliva production – nature’s own defense against tooth decay.
• Schedule Regular Dental Checkups
  Last but certainly not least, don’t skip your regular dental checkups! Even if you’re not experiencing any dental issues, it’s crucial to see your dentist at least twice a year for a professional cleaning and oral examination. Prevention is always better than cure.

Dental care services at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital

If you’re experiencing any dental health issues such as tooth discomfort, oral infections, periodontal problems, or cavities, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit to your dentist. Delaying regular care could exacerbate existing problems. Our Department of Dental Surgery is staffed by highly skilled and experienced dentists who are dedicated to addressing your oral health concerns promptly. We recognize that dental issues can arise unexpectedly, which is why we provide after-hours emergency care, including Sundays and holidays. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology we adhere to the strictest safety and sterilization protocols and prioritize your dental well-being. Additionally, we also offer Laser Dentistry treatments to enhance your comfort and improve the outcomes of your dental procedures. Please find below our website link: ttps://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicaldepartments/dentalsurgery.html