Dengue, a virus spread by mosquitoes, is still a problem in India, where thousands of cases and even fatalities occur each year. Every year, May 16 is designated as National Dengue Day in an effort to increase public awareness of the illness and its consequences. Even though dengue is more prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions, it is still a hazard worldwide and is not limited to India. The World Health Organization estimates that 100–400 million cases of dengue fever occur each year, putting nearly half of the world’s population at risk.
“With awareness and action, we can prevent the spread of this mosquito-borne disease”, wrote Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on X.
“Dengue fever, which is caused by the dengue virus and spread by mosquitoes, is a significant global concern,” says Dr. Krunal Desai, Consultant-Physician and Intensivist at Sterling Hospitals in Rajkot. Due to the four different strains of dengue, the disease exhibits a range of symptoms, from moderate to severe. The virus is carried by and spreads to humans through the feeding of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites humans and causes infection.”
Symptoms of Dengue
Dengue causes symptoms such as high fever, headache, joint and muscular discomfort, nausea, vomiting, and, in extreme cases, bleeding, or hemorrhagic fever, as noted by Dr. Desai.
Tips for Treating Dengue Fever
According to Dr. Desai, self-care techniques are crucial in controlling dengue fever, even though there isn’t a specific antiviral medication for the sickness. The following actions should be taken, according to Dr. Desai, to control dengue:
Make sure you are getting enough rest and drinking plenty of water if you have dengue fever. Dehydration is a typical side effect of dengue fever, so be sure to remain hydrated by drinking lots of fluids. For replacing electrolytes that have been lost, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) might be especially beneficial.
Pain treatment is especially crucial because dengue is linked to headaches, joint pain, and muscle pain. Acetaminophen, or paracetamol, is an over-the-counter pain medication that can help lower temperatures and discomfort. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as aspirin and ibuprofen, should nevertheless be avoided, as they raise the risk of bleeding, which is already a problem with dengue fever.
It is crucial to keep a careful eye on the symptoms and know when to call for emergency medical assistance. While rest, fluids, and medication as directed by a physician help most cases of dengue fever heal on their own, there are warning signs that point to the need for additional medical attention. These include persistent vomiting, excruciating stomach pain, nose or gum bleeding, breathing difficulties, exhaustion, agitation, and dry or chilly skin.
. If your dengue fever develops severely, you will need to be admitted to the hospital. Patients may need to receive intravenous fluids in order to control dehydration and preserve electrolyte balance. Blood transfusions may be required to replace lost blood volume in cases of severe bleeding. In order to avoid complications and guarantee timely treatment, healthcare workers must closely monitor patients.
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