Dengue fever is a serious threat, especially during rainy season. The weather creates the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 

Learn how to prevent dengue at home or outdoors. Just a few precautions can lower your risk and help you and your family stay healthy.

Dengue spreads through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes. These pesky insects can lay eggs in the smallest pools of stagnant water—pots, drains, or even broken tiles.

Use this checklist to clear out common areas where mosquitoes can breed.

• Flower pots: Loosen hard soil so it can absorb water. Clear the holes where excess water can exit. Flip over pot plates or empty pots.
• Gutters: Remove leaves or other debris that can trap water.
• Broken tiles or pavements: Scrub the area with bleach or soap solution every few days. 
• Drains: Once a week, pour vinegar or lavender-scented bleach solution into kitchen and bathroom drains. 
• Vases: Change water every few days. 
• Kitchen tools: Rinse your dish drying rack, water dispenser trays, soap containers, or anything frequently exposed to water. 
• Pails: Cover pails or turn them over when not in use. 

Some of the best ways to prevent dengue fever have extra benefits. These plants repel mosquitoes, beautify your garden, and can be used for cooking! 

• Lemongrass (Tanglad): It produces citronella oil, a common ingredient in natural mosquito repellents. 
• Basil: This hardy herb grows anywhere, even in small kitchen pots. When it grows, trim the stalks and propagate in new containers—or make a big batch of pesto.
• Rosemary: The plant thrives in sun-drenched areas like condo balconies.
• Mint: Got a black thumb or limited garden space? Mint needs barely any maintenance. Just place the pot in a partially shady area.
• Sage: The scent of the fresh leaves repels mosquitoes and can level up your roast chicken too. Win-win!

Mosquitoes and other household bugs love dark, secluded areas (like under the sofa) or cluttered spaces (like garage storage). Don’t let them turn your home into their private resort.

• Deep clean once a month. Remove clutter like unused containers where mosquitoes can hide.
• Fumigate every 7 to 10 days. This is how long it takes for hatched mosquito eggs to become adult mosquitoes. Spray damp, dark spaces like your laundry room or bathroom with insecticide. You can also use odorless or natural insect sprays in bedrooms.
• Light scented repellants every day. Place insect coils (katol) under dining tables or living room furniture or shaded corners of patios or playrooms. Hate the smell? Try scented candles, aromatherapy diffusers, or incense sticks. Look for these fragrances: citronella, eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint.

Do you feel like you’re a mosquito magnet? It may be true: some people tend to get bitten more than others because of the smell of their blood or sweat, according to research by the University of Washington.

However, you can keep mosquitoes at bay. Wear light colognes with citrus or herbal scents, which they hate. Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin. 

You can also avoid wearing colors that draw mosquitoes’ attention: red, orange, black, and cyan.

Finally, avoid going out during early morning or late afternoon, when mosquitoes are most active.

Symptoms usually appear 4 to 6 days after infection and last for up to 10 days. These include:

• Sudden high fever (40°C/104°F)
• Headaches
• Joint and muscle pain
• Pain behind the eyes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rashes 
• Mild nosebleeds or bruises 

Many dengue symptoms can mimic a bad cold or flu. However, some people may show the dengue fever temperature pattern: a sudden high fever that disappears for one day and then returns. This is usually accompanied by a rash. 

Always consult a doctor if you or your family member has a high fever accompanied by one or more other signs of dengue. They can order blood tests to confirm the condition and severity, and recommend the best dengue treatment. 

Now that you know how to prevent dengue, get the tools to mosquito-proof your home. Use Go+ promos to get discounts for sprays and repellents at SM, Lazada, and Watsons. 

If you notice unusual symptoms, go to KonsultaMD. As long as you have a strong internet connection, you can talk to a doctor anytime about dengue or other health concerns.