Overview
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection causing the severe flu-like illness such as high-grade fever, vomiting, dizziness, extreme dip in blood platelet count, and fatal in some cases. It is spread through a mosquito known as Aedes aegypti by transmitting the virus through a bite. Once infected, humans become the main carrier of the virus and it is multiplied in the blood through circulation within a period of 2-7 days. However, it can’t be transmitted from one person to another. The mosquito flourishes during rainy seasons but can breed in water-filled flower pots, plastic bags, and cans year-round.
Symptoms of Dengue
Research on dengue-infected person proves that symptoms of it can’t be characterized as similar because of the degree of Dengue which is D1, D2, D3, and D4 however, we have still specified the common symptoms underneath:
- A severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Nausea, vomiting
- Swollen glands
- Muscle and joint pains
- Mild Bleeding such as the nose, and gum bleeding
- Skin Rashes
- Damage to Lymph and blood vessels
- Extreme dip in blood platelet count
- Failure of the circulatory system
- Fatal
- Severe abdominal pain
You may observe the above-mentioned symptoms if you are infected by the virus but sometimes young children and people infected for the first time typically have milder symptoms than older children and adults.
Treatment of Dengue
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever and an infected person should seek medical advice as soon as possible. Some of the known treatment has been specified underneath:
- Papaya leaves – Being a rich source of vitamin C and anti-oxidant properties of papaya help to stimulate the immune system, increase the blood platelet count, and eliminate the excess toxins from the body. Consider consuming the juice of papaya leaves by crushing and extracting the juice out of it
- Barley grass – To neutralize the serious effects of dengue fever on blood platelet count it is recommended to consume barley grass tea or in raw form as it stimulates the blood platelet count at a higher rate
- Goat milk – Dengue fever is accompanied by a severe dip in selenium and blood platelet count which can be cured by consuming boiled goat milk twice a day as it contains the nutrient which increases the selenium and blood platelet naturally
- Giloy – It has natural antioxidant, antipyretic properties that can boost your immunity and protect your body from free radical damage. Recent studies have shown effective results in reducing the high fever by consuming giloy leaves or juice from the extract of leaves twice a day
- Jaggery and Onion – Consume the mixture of crushed jaggery and onion twice a day as it helps in controlling the fever and increasing the blood platelet count due to known antipyretic properties
- Nilavembu – Andrographolide is the key component of Nilavembu which has shown the potent antiviral and inhibitory effects on dengue virus within a few days of usage. You can take nilavembu in powder or juice form for best results
- Fenugreek – It has shown effective results in reducing the fever and pain as it contains slight sedative properties which help to overcome the serious effects of dengue fever
- Azadirachta indica – Quite helpful in increasing the number of blood platelets and white blood cells which boost the immune system to combat dengue fever. Boil the leaves of Azadirachta indica in 200 ml water. Strain the boiled water and mix 1 tsp of honey. Consume this mixture 2 – 3 times in a day
- Goldenseal – Is has shown tremendous results in reducing the fever and increasing blood platelet count as it contains the anti-viral properties which help to combat the dengue fever. Consume the tea of goldenseal by preparing it from the extract and honey mixture in a boiling water
- Water – Keep yourself hydrated by consuming plenty of water to avoid any extreme dehydration
Prevention / Precautions of Dengue
It is highly recommended to avoid mosquito bite especially if you are traveling to tropical areas. Get rid of places where mosquitoes can breed. These include old tires, cans, or flower pots that collect rainwater. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents such as aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided because of the tendency of the dengue virus to cause hemorrhages. Wear full sleeves shirt or top and use mosquito repellent to avoid any mosquito bite.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is to be construed as medical advice, nor it is intended to replace the recommendations of a medical professional. For specific questions, please consult a specialist for the advice.