All About Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral disease that is spread by infected Aedes type mosquitoes, principally A. Aegypti. When a mosquito carrying dengue fever virus bites a healthy person, the virus travels in the blood stream and starts multiplying itself in the whole body. Dengue fever is not contagious, which means one person can't pass it directly to another person. Mosquitoes typically bite during the early morning and in the evening but they may bite any time of the day. After the mosquito bite, it takes 4 to 7 days in showing symptoms and in some cases it may surface in upto 14 days.

Dengue fever can occur to people of all ages. Children usually have a milder disease than adults.

Dengue Symptoms

Symptoms of dengue fever include high fever (usually above 104°F), headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, low blood pressure, loss of appetite, pain behind the eyes, mild joint pain, low level of blood platelets, swelling, muscle pain, skin rashes and mild nose bleeding or internal bleeding. In some rare cases, shock and coma also noticed. Dengue fever can be a severe and life-threatening.

Please note that Dengue has some common symptoms with Chikungunya, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. The common symptoms of Dengue fever may subside in around 10 days, but complete recovery from the disease can take more than a month.

Dengue Treatment

There is no specific antiviral drug or medicine available for Dengue. Treatments are given to Dengue patients are based on symptoms to control the complications. Patients are advised to take complete rest, drink plenty of water, take more liquid food and medicines to relieve pain (paracetamol). Cold water patti (pad) can be applied on forehead to reduce body temperature.

Ayurveda Remedy

Papaya leaves are very beneficial in controlling dengue fever. It elevates blood platelets count significantly. Dengue patient's situations worsens when blood platelets count goes down drastically.

Tulsi (Basil leaves) has medicinal properties and has soothing effect on nervous system and strengthens stomach. Tea prepared with tulsi leaves, ginger and cardamom can be taken throughout the day after couple of hours intervals. Also, boil tulsi leaves with black pepper in water and drink that water throughout the day to improve immune system.

Fenugreek (Methi) Leaves are beneficial in reducing fever, pain and improves sleep of the patients. You can soak the dry leaves in water and then drink it or you can  mix methi powder with water and have it.

Pomegranate (Anaar) or black grape juice can be taken to increase blood count.

Homeopathic Remedy

Eupatorium Perfoliatum: For fever with bone breaking pains
The alternative name of Dengue is "Break Bone" fever due to terrible pain in bones. This medicine is very effective in relieving terrible bone pain in Dengue fever. Usually throbbing type of pain occurs in the head and limbs. Pain may be felt in the back part of the head and also on the top of the head.

Bryonia: For Dengue fever with body pain and intense thirst
Muscle pain leads to pain in whole body. Whenever the patient tries to walk or move or even turn in bed, the pain becomes intolerable. Patient feels better while at rest and does not want to move. Bryonia is helpful in easing out body pain and reduce intense thirst.

Phosphorus: For hemorrhagic dengue fever
In this type of Dengue fever, burning and numbness of the hands, arms and feet and intense thirst accompany the fever. In this case, the patient wants to have cold water or even chilled water. Phosphorus homeopathic medicine is useful in such conditions.

Carica Papaya: For increasing platelet count
Carica Papaya is a homeopathic medicine made from papaya fruit. Papaya is used in Ayurveda too for increasing platelet count. It improves the platelet counts in patients significantly.

Dengue Prevention and Control

Currently, there is no vaccine commercially available to protect against dengue fever. Hence, prevention is the only protection from Dengue. The Aedes albopictus mosquitoes use indoor sites like flower vases and water storage vessels for breeding. The mosquitoes also breed in outdoor areas like stagnant water, coconut husks, water in pots and coolers. It is important to keep these areas clean and dry. People should use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, put mosquito screens on windows & doors, use mosquito nets during day for small children and elderly people. Since Zika, Dengue and Chikungunya viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes mostly active during daytime, it is important to take protective measures to prevent mosquito bites throughout the day.

June 15 is being observed as International Anti-Dengue Day. The main objectives and goals are to increase public awareness about dengue, mobilize resources for its prevention and control.

Note: Please consult your doctor before taking any medicine.