The document is approved by Dr. Wasimahmed Sachora, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital, Ahmedabad-

Precaution Tips for Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease which is transmitted to human beings by bite of infected Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes. Chikungunya is accompanied with very bad joint pain, swelling of joints, muscular pain, headache, rash and fever.

With the full monsoon season going on, the following precautions should be taken:

1. Use insect and mosquito repellents on exposed skin.

2. Do not let water collect in areas in and around your house. Aedes mosquito often breeds in collected and stagnant water.

3. No holes around overhead tanks should be left open and out. Draining the tank at regular intervals to prevent mosquitoes from breeding will also help in prevention.

4. Wear clothes with long sleeves, especiallychildren as they are more susceptible to acquire infection faster. Keep skin minimally exposed. Protecting feet with socks and shoes will also help.

5. Put nets and screens on your doors and windows. Make use of mosquito net for sleeping at night.

6. Burn mosquito coils at strategic places inside the house.

Precaution Tips for Dengue

Dengue fever is caused by dengue virus and is accompanied with symptoms like headache, severe joint pains, skin rashes, etc. With the monsoon season on full swing, the following precautions must be taken for prevention of the disease:

1. Cleaning of desert coolers and water storage tanks should be done on regular basis, at least once in a week.
2. Dengue spreads because of mosquitoes. To prevent mosquito breeding, 2 tea spoons of kerosene or petrol can be put into 100 liters of stagnant water.
3. Mosquito net and repellant should be used to avoid mosquito breeding and bites.
4. Do away with items such as tyres, broken pots, which may the source of collecting of water.
5. Use screens and nets on doors and windows to prevent entry of mosquito inside the room.
6. Children should not be allowed to play outdoors in shorts and half-sleeves.
7. To control mosquito use aerosol and liquid spray.
8. Water in the flower vase should be changed every alternate day.Precaution Tips for Malaria

   Malaria is caused by a parasite called Plasmodium. The parasite is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected female Anopheles species mosquitoes. It is most prevalent in countries that have tropical climate like India.  Malaria is accompanied with fever, excessive seating, muscle and joint pain, headache and feeling cold.

   1. Use insect and mosquito repellents on exposed skin.
   2. Wear clothes with long sleeves, especially children.
   3. Keep minimal skin exposed and wear socks with shoes as much as possible.
   4. Nets and screens on your doors and windows. Make use of mosquito net for sleeping at night.
   5. Burn mosquito coils at strategic places inside the house.
   6. Wash cloths or spray bedding and bed netting with permethrin.Precaution Tips for Swine Flu (H1N1)

      The Swine Flu is on the rise with many cases being reported from different parts of the country. Here are some precaution tips that must be taken in order to avoid contracting the influenza:

      1. Cover up your mouth and nose while sneezing.
      2. Use disposable tissue paper or napkin instead of a handkerchief if you catch a cold and dispose of the tissue in dustbin after use.
      3. Wash both your hands with soap as often as possible to avoid infection. Use hand sanitizers to prevent spread of germs through your hands.
      4. Avoid close contact as much as possible with people with swine flu. Try to maintain a distance of at least 6-10 feet to avoid transmission.
      5. If a family member is suffering from swine flu, try and clean the surfaces frequently to prevent it from spreading.
      6. Maintain healthy habits like getting enough sleep, exercise, drinking ample fluids and eating well.