Fever
The normal body temperature is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C. A fever is one way your body fights off an inflammation or infection, causing your body temperature to go up to kill bacteria that will die at higher temperatures. While a fever may be uncomfortable, it usually isn't a cause for concern and goes away within a few days. Taking a acetaminophen products such as Panadol®, can help relieve discomfort and reduce fever.
How to prevent chikungunya - Zika - dengue?
HOW TO PREVENT CONTAGION AND TRANSMISSION OF CHIKUNGUNYA
Every time, more and more people contract the chikungunya fever, caused by a virus transmitted by mosquitoes, due to lack of prevention. Find out what experts recommend to avoid contagion.1
Since the notification of 2 cases of transmission of chikungunya virus in the French part of the Caribbean island of St. Martin, in December 2013, each day there are even more cases of people who have contracted the virus, either after a trip to another country or in the same place they live.2
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this disease is transmitted by the bite of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes and is characterised by a sudden fever accompanied by joint pain, muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rashes.
Chikungunya symptoms are similar to those of dengue3, virus that is also spread by the bite of the same species of mosquito; however, notice that although the 2 diseases are similar, the joint pain is more intense in patients affected by chikungunya.
Although there is no specific treatment for this disease, WHO has developed a series of recommendations to prevent the spread of this and other viruses that can be acquired by a mosquito bite, such as dengue and malaria:
- Water accumulation contributes the reproduction of mosquitoes carrying these viruses, so it is important to reduce the number of water containers, whether natural (ponds) or artificial (buckets, flowerpots, vases, etc.), on your home or work.4
- Close the water storage containers with tight lids. When removed, be especially careful not to damage them, to prevent mosquitoes from entering the containers.5
- Use mosquito nets and screens on windows and doors to prevent mosquitoes from entering closed spaces.6
- Dress white or light-colored clothing, preferably long sleeves to minimize skin exposure.7
- Use insect repellent, carefully following the directions on the label.8
- To reduce the chances of being bitten, use vaporizers, household insecticides and insect repellents.9
- Apply insecticide around and on surfaces where mosquitoes pose, you can also use it to treat water deposits in order to kill larvas.10
The best treatment for any disease is prevention. In case of contracting dengue, malaria or chikungunya fever, remember that acetaminophen is recognized by WHO as the painkiller of choice for treating pain and fever associated with these diseases.
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