Introduction
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Dengue fever has become one of the most common and dangerous
mosquito-borne viral infections across the world, especially in tropical and
subtropical countries like India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and many Middle
Eastern nations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), millions of
cases are reported every year, and dengue outbreaks often occur after the rainy
season due to water stagnation and mosquito breeding.
Understanding what causes dengue, its
early symptoms, when to seek medical help, preventive measures, and safe home
remedies can help reduce complications and ensure quick recovery.
Let’s take a detailed look.
1. Causes
of Dengue Fever
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Dengue fever is caused by the dengue
virus (DENV), which has four main types: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.
Infection with one type may give lifelong immunity against that particular
strain but only short-term immunity against others. This is why some people can
get dengue more than once.
- Transmission: Dengue
spreads through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
- Mosquito activity: These
mosquitoes are day-biters, most active during early morning and late
afternoon.
- Risk factors:
- Living in
crowded urban areas
- Poor sanitation
and stagnant water (mosquito breeding grounds)
- Travel to
dengue-prone areas
- Weakened
immunity
Once the mosquito bites, the virus enters the bloodstream and
begins to multiply, leading to fever and other symptoms within 4–10 days of infection (incubation
period).
2. Symptoms
of Dengue Fever
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Dengue symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the
patient’s immunity and whether it is the first infection or a subsequent one.
Common Symptoms (appear after
4–10 days of infection):
- High fever
(often up to 104°F or 40°C)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the
eyes
- Joint and muscle
pain (hence the nickname “breakbone fever”)
- Nausea and
vomiting
- Skin rashes
(usually appear 2–5 days after fever starts)
- Swollen glands
- Mild bleeding
(nosebleeds, gum bleeding, easy bruising)
Severe Dengue (Dengue
Hemorrhagic Fever / Dengue Shock Syndrome)
In some cases, dengue becomes life-threatening and needs immediate
hospitalization. Symptoms include:
- Severe abdominal
pain
- Persistent
vomiting
- Bleeding from
nose, gums, or under skin
- Blood in stool
or urine
- Difficulty
breathing
- Sudden drop in
blood pressure (shock)
3. When to
See a Doctor
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Since dengue can worsen quickly, it is important to know when
medical attention is needed.
See a doctor immediately if you notice:
- High fever
lasting more than 2–3 days
- Severe body pain
and weakness
- Unusual bleeding
or red spots on skin
- Continuous
vomiting or dehydration
- Drowsiness or
irritability
- Signs of shock
(cold skin, rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure)
Important note: Self-medication with
painkillers like aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided as they can increase
bleeding risk. Only take medicines prescribed by a doctor, usually paracetamol
for fever.
4. Different
Varieties of Viral Fever
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Dengue is one type of viral fever, but there are several others
that people often confuse with dengue. Knowing the differences helps in early
treatment.
- Dengue Fever: Caused by dengue
virus, transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Chikungunya: Also
spread by Aedes mosquitoes; symptoms include fever, joint pain, rash, but
no bleeding.
- Zika Virus: Causes mild
fever, rash, conjunctivitis; dangerous for pregnant women.
- Influenza (Flu): Spread through
droplets; symptoms include cough, cold, body pain, and fever.
- Viral Hepatitis: Fever with
jaundice, caused by hepatitis virus.
- COVID-19: Viral
fever with respiratory symptoms, loss of taste/smell, cough, and fatigue.
Since many viral fevers have overlapping symptoms, medical tests
(like NS1 antigen, IgM/IgG
antibody test for dengue) are
essential for accurate diagnosis.
5. Precautions
for Dengue Fever
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Since there is no specific antiviral medicine or vaccine (except Dengvaxia
in limited cases) for dengue, prevention is the best cure.
Prevent Mosquito Breeding
- Do not allow
water to stagnate in buckets, flower pots, tires, or containers.
- Cover water
tanks properly.
- Change water in
coolers and bird baths regularly.
Protect Yourself from
Mosquito Bites
- Wear
long-sleeved clothes and trousers, especially in the morning and evening.
- Use mosquito
repellents on skin and nets around beds.
- Install mesh on
windows and doors.
- Use natural
repellents like neem oil or citronella.
Community Efforts
- Government
fogging and spraying programs.
- Awareness drives
to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
- Clean
surroundings, especially after rains.
6. Home
Remedies and Recommended Food for Dengue Fever
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While medical supervision is critical, supportive care at home can
help in faster recovery.
Home Remedies
- Papaya Leaf Juice: Boosts
platelet count naturally. Drink 1–2 tablespoons daily under medical
advice.
- Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): Strengthens
immunity and reduces fever.
- Neem Leaves: Helps in
detoxification and improves immunity.
- Turmeric Milk: Anti-inflammatory
and boosts recovery.
- Coconut Water: Prevents
dehydration and provides electrolytes.
Recommended Food for Dengue
Patients
During dengue, the body needs high fluid intake and easily
digestible foods.
- Liquids & Hydration: Coconut
water, ORS (oral rehydration solution), fresh fruit juices, soups, herbal
teas.
- Fruits: Papaya,
pomegranate, kiwi, guava, dragon fruit, oranges – all rich in vitamin C
and help in platelet production.
- Vegetables: Carrots,
spinach, beetroot, bottle gourd, pumpkin – rich in antioxidants and iron.
- Protein sources: Soft-boiled
eggs, lentil soup, dal, paneer (lightly cooked).
- Light Meals: Khichdi,
idli, oats, porridge – easy to digest and energy-giving.
Foods to Avoid
- Oily and spicy
food (hard to digest)
- Caffeine and
alcohol (cause dehydration)
- Processed foods
with preservatives
- Meat and fried
food (may burden digestion)
Conclusion
Dengue fever is a serious but preventable disease. Awareness about
its cause, early symptoms, and timely medical care can
save lives. Preventing mosquito breeding and taking precautions are the
strongest defenses against dengue. If infected, focus on hydration,
nutritious diet, and proper rest along with medical
advice.
By staying vigilant and informed, we can protect ourselves and our
communities from the dangers of dengue fever.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes
only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional
for diagnosis, treatment, and medical advice related to dengue fever.
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