Dengue fever is like flu illness that can affect infants, young children, and adults in the same way. A severe manifestation of dengue is hemorrhagic fever which tends to affect children under 10 years of age which causes abdominal pain and affects the circulatory system.

Difference between Dengue fever and regular flu

Regular flu can be caused due to simple viral or bacterial infection. Dengue is more dangerous and needs a different approach altogether. The World Health Organisation states that “Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. The four distinct serotypes of dengue virus are DEN 1, DEN 2, DEN 3 and DEN 4. Dengue symptoms only appear after 3 – 14 days of the mosquito bite and not immediately.

Signs and Symptoms

A characteristic symptom of dengue fever is a drop in platelet count. Other common symptoms include fever, headache, muscle and joint pains and skin rashes. As these symptoms are similar to other infections it is generally confused with the flu.

If below symptoms are experienced over a few days it is time to consult a doctor:

  • Sudden, high fever
  • Severe headaches
  • Pain behind the eyes
  • Severe joint and muscle pain
  • Fatigue and exhaustion
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Skin rash
  • Low blood pressure

Treat it well

Dengue infection is diagnosed with a blood test. There are no listed medicines or antibiotics to cure dengue but rest and intake of plenty of fluids are advised. As of now, there is no vaccine for dengue.

Dengue cases are already reported in many parts of Delhi, India. Due to this, many people are turning to some natural remedies to control this dreaded disease.

We bring you some of the most effective home remedies:

  1. Giloy: Giloy is a herb in Ayurveda. It helps to maintain the metabolic rate, strengthen the immune system and protect your body against infections. It is also recommended that the stems should be boiled and then served it as a herbal drink. Tulsi leaves also can be added to this drink.
  2. Papaya Leaves: It reduces the symptoms of fever like body ache, chills, feeling low, getting tired easily and nausea. It also increases the platelet count which is very important in dengue. Leaves can be crushed or drink the juice which flushes out the toxins.
  3. Fenugreek Leaves: These leaves are known to reduce fever and act as a sedative to ease pain and promote more restful sleep for patients. You can soak the leaves in water and then drink it or you can get methi powder and mix it with water and drink it.
  4. Goldenseal: Dried root of Goldenseal is used to make medicine. It clears up the symptoms of dengue fever and eliminates the virus from the body. It can be used similar to Papaya leaves, either by crushing and chewing or by juicing it.
  5. Turmeric: It makes the healing process faster. Turmeric also boosts the metabolism. It can also be consumed along with milk.
  6. Tulsi Leaves and Black Pepper: Boil Tulsi leaves and add about 2 grams of black pepper to it. This drink will help in building your immunity and also acts as an antibacterial element.

Dengue is not contagious. Dengue can be prevented by keeping your surroundings clean and wearing protective clothing. The dengue mosquito attacks during the day and experts say the spots are below the elbow and below the knee. By removing the stagnant water around your house will reduce the mosquito habitat. Start using natural repellents like Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender, Neem Oil and Cinnamon Oil to protect yourself against mosquito bites. Herbs like garlic, lemongrass, basil, peppermint, rosemary also keep mosquitoes away.

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