Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

According to the World Health Organisation, “Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. There are four distinct serotypes of the dengue virus (DEN 1, DEN 2, DEN 3 and DEN 4). Symptoms appear in 3–14 days (average 4–7 days) after the infective bite. Dengue fever is a flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults.” Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a specific syndrome that tends to affect children under 10 years of age which can cause abdominal pain, bleeding and affect the circulatory system. It is a more severe form of Dengue infection.

The number of dengue cases have increased drastically in the last few years. According to local health authorities, there have been about 1,700 cases recorded in the city so far this year, mostly in recent weeks, the same amount as recorded for all of 2010. This makes it one of the worst outbreaks in the last five years.

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Signs and symptoms to look out for

A drop in platelet count is a characteristic symptom of dengue fever. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and skin rash. Sometimes, these symptoms may be confused with flu. If you experience the following over a few days, consult a doctor –

1. Sudden, high fever



2. Severe headaches



3. Pain behind the eyes



4. Severe joint and muscle pain



5. Fatigue and exhaustion



6. Nausea and vomiting



7. Skin rash



8. Low blood pressure

Diagnosis and treatment

Doctors can diagnose dengue infection with a blood test. There are no particular medicines or antibiotics to cure the same since it’s caused by a virus but you are advised to rest and drink plenty of fluids. There is currently no vaccine for dengue.

With Delhi under the grip of dengue, people are turning to some natural remedies to control the dreaded disease. We bring you some of the most effective home remedies as shared by health experts and doctors.

Giloy: Giloy is a very important herb in Ayurveda. It helps in maintaining the metabolic rate, strengthening the immune system and protects your body against infections, explains Dr. Gargi Sharma from New Delhi. She recommends that you boil the stems and serve it as a herbal drink. You can also add few Tulsi leaves in the drink.

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Papaya Leaves: “It helps in increasing the platelet count and reduces the symptoms of fever like body ache, chills, feeling low, getting tired easily and nausea,” says Dr. Gargi. You can crush the leaves and consume or drink the juice which helps in flushing out the toxins.

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Fenugreek Leaves: These leaves are known to reduce fever and act as a sedative to ease pain and promote more restful sleep for patients. You can soak the leaves in water and then drink it or you can get methi powder and mix it with water and have it.

Goldenseal: Goldenseal is a herb whose dried root is used to make medicine. It has the ability to clear up the symptoms of dengue fever very quickly and eliminate the virus from the body. It works like papaya leaves. You use it in the same way like papaya leaves either by crushing and chewing or by juicing it.

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Turmeric: It is also known to boost metabolism and helps in making the healing process faster. You can consume turmeric along with milk.

Tulsi Leaves and Black Pepper: Dr. Simran Saini from New Delhi suggests to consume a drink made by boiling Tulsi leaves and adding about 2grams of black pepper to it. This drink helps in building your immunity and acts as an antibacterial element.

How to protect yourself and prevent the disease

Dengue doesn’t spread from person to person. You can prevent the risk of the disease by keeping your surroundings clean and wearing protective clothing. The dengue mosquito typically attacks during the day and some experts say the favourite spots are below the elbow and below the knee. They are generally active between the time period of August-October and do not breed when the temperature falls. Reduce the mosquito habitat by removing standing water around your house. You could turn to natural repellents like Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender, Neem Oil and Cinnamon Oil to protect yourself against mosquito bites. There are a number of plants that have mosquito repellent properties like feverfew, citronella, catnip and lavender. Place them around your house to keep mosquitoes away. Even herbs like  garlic, lemongrass, basil, peppermint, rosemary may help.

Dr. Gargi Sharma is a Wellness Expert who runs the Aayna Clinic in Mehrauli, New Delhi. Dr. Simran Saini is a Nutritionist at Fortis Hospital in Shalimar Bagh, New Delhi.