New Delhi. Dengue cases are increasing rapidly in many states of the country. The increasing number of dengue patients, especially in Delhi, has become a cause for concern. Dengue fever is spread by the bite of Aedes mosquito infected with dengue virus. This mosquito becomes infected when it sucks the blood of a person infected with dengue virus. It does not spread directly from one person to another. Dengue infection is spread by DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4 viruses. These four viruses are called serotypes because they affect antibodies in different ways. You can get infected with dengue even four times with different strains.
Dengue mosquitoes bite more at this time (Dengue mosquito bite time)-
The mosquitoes that spread dengue bite most in the afternoon. Especially two hours after sunrise and one hour before sunset. However, dengue mosquitoes remain active even at night, especially in areas where there is good lighting. The risk of dengue mosquito bites is higher inside offices, malls, indoor auditoriums and stadiums because artificial lights are used all the time here and natural light is not available.
Dengue symptoms-
Symptoms of dengue usually start appearing four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days. These symptoms include sudden, high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, severe pain in joints and muscles, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin rash and light bleeding such as bleeding from the nose or gums. Dengue fever causes severe pain in the entire body, hence some people also call it break-the-bone fever. Sometimes its symptoms are mild and people mistake it for flu or other viral infections.
Dengue treatment-
There is no definite medicine to treat dengue. One should take plenty of rest during dengue fever. Get platelets in blood checked regularly. Do not let there be any shortage of water in the body and take plenty of liquid diet. It is best to drink coconut water at this time. It also works to increase platelets. Apart from this, include Giloy, papaya, kiwi, pomegranate, beetroot and green vegetables in your diet. Stay in touch with the doctor and keep him informed about your platelets. In case of any problem or falling platelets, the doctor may also advise you to be admitted to the hospital.
Take precautions like this (Dengue precautions)-
Dengue is a disease spread by mosquitoes and it is very important to prevent it. Dengue mosquito often bites during the day. Therefore, protect yourself from mosquito bites during the day. These days, wear full sleeved clothes and shoes. Do not leave the body exposed anywhere. Do not allow water to stagnate around or inside the house. Also drain away the water accumulated in coolers, pots and tyres. If there is water in the cooler, empty it too, otherwise mosquitoes may breed in it. Applying mosquito net while sleeping at night is the best way of protection.
Note- The information and suggestions given above are for general information and should not be considered as advice from any professional doctor. If you have any questions or problems, please consult a doctor.