Monsoons are here and that means the fear of certain diseases also starts to worry you. Especially dengue can prevail in conditions like this. There are several lives that are affected by dengue every year. Unfortunately there is very little awareness of the condition which makes the fever unnoticed and unattended in many.

What is dengue fever?

Dengue is a viral disease spread by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti. It is a major health concern worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. Dengue can cause a range of symptoms, from mild flu-like illness to severe and potentially fatal conditions, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

Is dengue fever common?

Statistics suggest that there are about 400 million people among the world’s population who are affected by dengue fever. And about 80% of this number usually experience no symptoms.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

Majority of people do not experience any type of symptoms. But few of the most common symptoms of dengue fever include:

High temperatures or fever
Rashes
Extreme pain behind your eyes
Vomiting
Nausea
Pain in the joints and muscles

The symptoms begin to appear only after 10 to 14 days after the mosquito bite takes place and these symptoms can last somewhere between 3 to 5 days. It is also said that only about 1 in 20 people tend to have severe symptoms in their initial days. It is important to reach out to the general medicine hospital in Coimbatore if you are experiencing these symptoms.

Is itching a common sign of dengue?

Yes, itching is a symptom of dengue and may appear during the recovery phase, which follows the critical phase lasting 24 to 48 hours. This recovery phase lasts another 48 to 72 hours. During this time, patients often feel better, with symptoms easing, but they might experience itching.

When should you reach out to a doctor?

Dengue can be life threatening and can lead to severe dengue when the symptoms get severe and intense. Although severe dengue is not quite common but needs medical attention as soon as possible. The signs that indicate immediate need for medical help include:

Frequent vomiting
Abdominal pain
Blood in your stool
Bleeding gums
Severe fatigue

What are the possible causes of dengue fever?

One of the four varieties of dengue viruses is the source of dengue fever. When an infected mosquito bites you, the virus gets into your bloodstream and starts to multiply. The virus and your body’s reaction to it can make you feel sick.

How does dengue fever spread?

Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which also carry viruses like Zika and chikungunya. The mosquito bites a person with dengue fever and then bites another person, passing the infection to them.

Can dengue fever spread from person to person?

Dengue fever isn’t spread directly from person to person like the flu. The only way it can be passed from one person to another is through pregnancy. If a pregnant woman gets dengue, she can pass it to her baby during pregnancy or childbirth.

How does dengue fever affect the white blood count?

Dengue infection is mostly spread by the bite of an Aedes Aegypti mosquito carrying the virus. The virus enters the body through a mosquito bite and begins to spread. A drop in platelets, called “thrombocytopenia,” can happen because the virus affects the bone marrow or triggers an autoimmune reaction. While the dengue virus doesn’t directly destroy platelets, it can cause issues that reduce their number and function.

Platelet loss can occur in many different conditions. Between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets per microliter of blood are normal for a healthy individual. When infected with the dengue virus, platelet counts can drop significantly, sometimes to below 40,000 platelets per microliter. This decrease can happen quickly, often within a day, and usually occurs during the peak of the infection, which is around 3-4 days of having a fever. Consult the general medicine specialist in Coimbatore if you are looking to seek help for dengue.

When does the platelet count increase after dengue fever?

In most cases, the platelet count in dengue starts to increase around the seventh day of the illness. However, it can take up to ten days for the count to return to normal. In some instances, the platelet count might not return to normal even after ten days. It’s important to understand that this is just an average timeline. The actual timing of changes in platelet count can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as:

The intensity of infection
In case the patient has dengue previously
Overall health and age of the patient

What are the foods to eat in dengue to increase the platelet?

There are certain foods to consume while trying to improve the platelet count. They include:

Fruits:

Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits, as well as strawberries, raspberries, kiwi, and tomatoes, are rich in vitamin C, which helps support platelet production.

Vegetables:

Vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, and kale are high in vitamin K, which helps with platelet production. Other beneficial vegetables include beetroot, carrots, and bell peppers.

Nuts and seeds:

Nuts and seeds are rich in vitamin E, antioxidants, and healthy fats, which help support platelet production. Beneficial options include walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds.

Whole grains:

Whole grains are rich in vitamin B, which helps increase platelet counts. Their fiber content also aids in better digestion and nutrient absorption. Quinoa, oats, and brown rice are all excellent choices.

Protein rich dairy products:

They offer overall health benefits and help increase platelet counts. Excellent dairy products and proteins include milk, yogurt, cheese, fish, beans, and lentils.

What are the options to treat dengue fever?

There is no fool-proof way to treat dengue fever. The only way to treat dengue fever is to manage the symptoms.

It is important to stay hydrated by increasing intake of water and fluid content
Get as much rest as possible
Taking prescribed medications for fever and pains
Avoid taking any non prescribed medications as

How long does dengue fever last for?

The initial symptoms of dengue last for three to seven days. Most people start to feel better after this period, but some develop severe dengue, which can be life-threatening and requires medical treatment.

What are the dengue fever precautions to be followed after the fever?

Recovering from dengue can be a draining process as it completely affects your energy levels and it requires a little bit of extra effort to regain the energy.

Fill your body with water:

During dengue fever, the body loses fluids because of the high fever and sweating. Even after you start feeling better, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water, oral rehydration solutions, and clear soups to replace the lost fluids. Dehydration can cause complications, so make sure you drink enough fluids.

Provide your body with nutrition:

A balanced diet with essential nutrients is crucial for regaining strength. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, as these foods are high in vitamins and minerals. They will help restore your energy and strengthen your immune system.

Get enough rest:

Dengue fever can make you feel weak and tired. Make sure to give your body plenty of rest to recover completely. Aim for 7-8 hours of good-quality sleep each night and avoid heavy physical activity until you’re feeling stronger.

Seek regular health checkups:

After dengue, it’s important to keep a close eye on your health. Regular checkups with your doctor can help spot any ongoing issues or complications. They can also let you know when it’s safe to go back to your usual activities.

Take efforts for mosquito prevention:

After dengue, keeping track of your health is crucial. Regular visits to your doctor can help catch any lingering problems or complications. They can also let you know when it’s okay to return to your regular activities.

Avoid overstraining:

It’s important to stay active, but don’t push yourself too hard too soon. Gradually return to your daily routine and exercise. Check with your doctor before starting any intense physical activities.

Ensure your mental well-being:

Recovering from dengue can be emotionally tough, and some people might experience stress or anxiety. If you’re struggling with these feelings, don’t hesitate to reach out for support from friends, family, or a mental health professional.

Check your platelet count:

Even after you’ve recovered, keep track of your platelet count as it might take a while to return to normal. If you notice any unusual symptoms, like bleeding or bruising, consult your doctor.

Maintain good hygiene:

To avoid infections while you recover, practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating, and keep your home clean.

What are the preventive measures to follow for dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a highly preventable disease. Here are a few tips to follow for the dengue fever prevention and control:

Close your doors and windows during the time of mosquitoes entry.
Apply mosquito repellent before stepping outdoors
Try to wear long-sleeved shirts or tops.
Try to avoid mosquito breeding areas
Avoid keeping stagnant water bodies in your home.
Keep your surrounding clean

Can a person get infected with dengue twice?

Yes, it’s possible to get dengue fever more than once because there are four different types of the dengue virus. If someone is infected with one type, their body produces antibodies against that specific virus. However, if they are bitten by a mosquito carrying one of the other types, those antibodies won’t protect them, and they could be at higher risk of severe dengue.

Important Takeaway:

Recovery from dengue can be a difficult process. As you may be very tired and deprived of the nutrients during the infection. Understanding the role of nutrition and what precautions to be followed during the recovery window can play an important role in fast recovery from dengue.