How I am safeguarding my home and the kids against dengue outbreak

Dengue, officially has become the dreaded word in India. Every year, the disease seems to be increasing in intensity and is taking epidemic proportions. This year alone, according to estimates by the Indian Health Department that some 20,000 people have been affected by the disease.

But independent sources claim that the actual number across the country could be much higher as so many cases go unreported. The death toll from the disease, according to figures available has been 40, with major casualties in Delhi and Kolkata.

In such a scenario, it is only obvious that everyone from parents to caretakers is increasingly alarmed to ensure that kids are safeguarded against the deadly disease.

And as they say about any illness that prevention is always better than cure it is imperative that we do everything within our reach to ensure that kids do not fall prey to the disease.

And while as prudent parents you may already be doing everything to ward off the disease as per advisory guidelines issued by the health department, I am sharing with you a few additional and effective safeguards that have been recommended by health experts and are followed religiously in my household. These simple tips may go a long way in guarding your home and the kids against the dreaded virus.

Check all the doors and windows in your house

Yes, you read it right just before the dengue outbreak it is important that you check all the doors and windows of your house.

If you like opening the windows in the evening to let some fresh air in, do install fine wire meshes indoors and windows so that no mosquitoes can pass through. Do not open any doors or windows that do not have wire meshing.

Alter the kids play time

We all know that evenings are the ideal time for kids to spend time in some outdoorsy activities. But sadly this is also the time when these virulent mosquitoes are most active.

The better idea during these months is to avoid sending kids outdoors during the dawn and the dusk timings. If possible arrange for indoor playdates instead.

Create a protective aroma in your home

Now is also the time to create a fragrant atmosphere in your home that has medicinal benefits. Try buying aromatherapy oils such lemon, eucalyptus or tea-tree.

If you use fragrant diffusers at home, drop a sprinkling of a few essential oils as they are known to ward off mosquitoes and bugs

Wash your kids' hands and feet regularly

Certain smells draw the mosquitoes towards them and with kids, it may be more likely that they skip washing hands after eating that yummy pie. So make sure you get your kids to wash both their hands and feet several times a day with a medicinal soap.

Read: For the first time, baby born with dengue passed on by the mother