That itchy bump you get after a mosquito bites you is usually nothing to worry about. It's just your body reacting to the bug's spit. But mosquitoes can also carry diseases. So, how do you know if it's just a bite or something more serious?
We talked to Dr. Shrey Srivastav, a senior doctor at Sharda Hospital in Noida, to help us understand. He explains when you should worry about a mosquito bite and when you should see a doctor.
What a Normal Mosquito Bite Looks Like
Dr. Srivastav says a normal mosquito bite looks like a small, raised, itchy bump that shows up soon after you're bitten. It might be a little pink or red. It might itch a bit, and there might be a little swelling just around the bite. These things usually go away in a few days.
When a Mosquito Bite Might Mean Trouble
Sometimes, a mosquito bite can lead to diseases like dengue, malaria, chikungunya, or Zika. These are common in many places, including India.
Dr. Srivastav says you need to watch out for other symptoms that aren't just at the bite mark. These are signs that your body might be fighting off an infection.
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Here are things to look for:
- High fever: A temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher.
- Bad headache: Not just a normal headache.
- Body aches and joint pain: Hurting all over or in your joints.
- Rash: Spots on your skin that spread beyond the bite.
- Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up.
- Feeling very tired and weak.
- Bleeding: From your nose or gums, or bruises easily.
- Peeing less than usual.
- Yellow skin or eyes.
Dr. Srivastav says that different diseases have slightly different symptoms. For example, dengue often causes a high fever and bad body aches. Malaria can cause fevers that come and go with chills. Chikungunya makes your joints hurt a lot, and Zika can cause a mild fever, rash, and red eyes.
How to Tell the Difference: What Doctors Look For
It can be hard to tell the diseases apart just by the symptoms. Dr. Srivastav says it's important to see a doctor to get the right tests and find out what's wrong.
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But he gives some general things that doctors consider:
- When the symptoms started after the bite.
- What kind of fever do you have?
- Where do you feel the pain the most?
- What the rash looks like and where it is.
- If you've travelled recently to places where certain mosquito diseases are common.
When You Need to See a Doctor
Dr. Srivastav gives clear advice on when to go to the doctor after a mosquito bite:
Go to a doctor right away if you have any of these:
- High fever (100°F or higher).
- Really bad headache.
- Bad body aches or joint pain that make it hard to move.
- A rash that spreads.
- Feeling sick to your stomach, throwing up, or having diarrhoea that doesn't stop.
- Bleeding for no reason.
- Trouble breathing or chest pain.
- Feeling confused or having seizures.
Dr. Srivastav says that even if your first symptoms are mild, you should see a doctor if they don't get better or if they get worse. Getting diagnosed and treated early can help you get better faster and avoid serious problems.
How to Avoid Mosquito Bites
The best way to avoid mosquito-borne diseases is to not get bitten in the first place. Dr. Srivastav suggests these tips:
- Use mosquito repellent on your skin.
- Wear long sleeves and pants, especially when mosquitoes are most active (morning and evening).
- Sleep under mosquito nets, especially in an area with many mosquito-borne diseases.
- Get rid of standing water around your home, like in flower pots or old tires, because mosquitoes lay their eggs there.
- Use screens on your windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.
- Consider using mosquito coils or electric repellent devices inside your home.
Bottomline
Mosquitoes are common, especially when it's warm. By knowing what a normal bite looks like and when to worry about other symptoms, you can take care of your health. Dr. Srivastav says it's always better to see a doctor if you're worried. Taking steps to avoid mosquito bites is the best way to stay healthy.