National Dengue Day 2023: Tips & How to Protect Yourself from the Disease

Dengue is a disease spread through viruses with the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. It is caused by one of the four related viruses, Dengue virus 1,2,3, and 4; thus, a person can be infected with the virus four times in their lifetime. Annually, almost 400 million people get infected with dengue, and many people live in areas with a high risk of dengue.

 

National Dengue Day

May 16 is observed as National Dengue Day and is an effort by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to create awareness about dengue and prevent deadly outbreaks. It is an effort to mobilise state governments and civic bodies to improve preparedness and encourage vigilance among citizens on preventive methods against the disease. The theme for National Dengue Day 2022 was "Be Protective And Defend Against The Dangerous Dengue. Through a national observance, a single day dedicated to raising awareness about dengue, the Ministry also hopes to give impetus to disease surveillance programs and educate the public on the symptoms, causes, and protocols to be followed in case of detection.

 

Symptoms of Dengue

The disease symptoms differ from person to person. About one in four people who get infected with the disease will get sick. The onset of dengue symptoms occurs between 3-14 days after being bitten by the carrier mosquito. In the case of severe cases of hemorrhagic fever, the disease can prove to be fatal due to dengue shock syndrome. Sickness can vary from mild to severe, which sometimes even requires hospitalisation. Here are common symptoms associated with dengue:

 

• High fever
• Nausea, vomiting
• Rash
• Aches and pains
• Pain in the eyes

 

Symptoms generally last 2-7 days, with recovery within a week.

 

Transmission of Dengue

Dengue is transferable by mosquitoes, which spread the disease through the bite. Mentioned below are points of transmission:

 

• These mosquitoes lay eggs in or near standing water in containers that consist of water like buckets, bowls, flower pots, etc
• The mosquitoes live both indoors and outdoors and prefer to bite people.
• These mosquitoes generally bite during day time.
• When mosquitoes bite an infected person, it gets infected and spread the virus to other people through bites.
• Treatment of Dengue
• Dengue infections range from mild to severe. In milder cases, treatment of dengue at home is possible under the supervision of a qualified physician. The infected patient is prescribed paracetamol, plenty of fluids, and rest. In severe cases, the physician may recommend hospitalization or a stronger dose of medication to manage the symptoms.
• It is important to consult a physician upon onset of symptoms and not self-medicate. Based on blood reports and other vital parameters, the doctor will recommend a course of action best suited to your individual case. When caring for a patient who has tested positive for dengue, it is important to remember that the patient is infectious in the first 4-5 days since the onset of symptoms. The patient can transmit the infection to someone else during that period. Utmost care should be taken to prevent the disease from spreading further.

 

Remedies for Dengue and Diet Tips

One needs not to worry and panic; there are some remedies for dengue and diet tips that can boost the immunity of the patient. This can be done by giving food items rich in essential nutrients and vitamins, which ensures speedy recovery. Below is a list of a few of them:

 

• Coconut Water: As Dengue results in dehydration, consuming coconut water is beneficial as it contains electrolytes and vital nutrients.
• Papaya Leaves: Researchers have found that papaya leaves help to elevate platelet counts, which fall low in a dengue patient. It is advisable to consume the juice of the leaves.
• Fenugreek: It is known to induce sleep and helps in easing pain. It has shown results in stabilising high fever as well.
• Orange: Orange is rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which helps in treating and eliminating the dengue virus.

The above-mentioned remedies for dengue and diet tips can help you in the recovery phase and boost your immunity to fight any other disease.

 

Prevention of Dengue

Dengue is easily preventable if certain safety and hygiene protocols are meticulously followed. The objective is to reduce exposure to the Aedes mosquito bites during the monsoon season when widespread breeding of the mosquito is at an all-time high. There are certain measures, which if followed correctly can reduce dengue cases and help save lives.

 

1. Removal of Stagnant Water

The mosquito is responsible for transmitting dengue breeds in stagnant water. This is why cases increase in the monsoon months. Exposed buckets of water, flower vases, water containers for pets, and ornamental pots filled with water should be cleaned and replaced with fresh water regularly. Where possible, larvicides should be added to the water to kill the Aedes mosquito larvae. If water must be left stagnant for a prolonged period, every attempt should be made to keep it covered to prevent infestation by the Aedes mosquito.

 

2. Covering Hands and Legs

During season time for dengue, ensuring proper coverage of hands and legs can prevent bites from the Aedes mosquito. Avoiding the use of aromatic soaps and perfumes and proper application of mosquito repellents will keep mosquitos at bay. Additionally, avoiding hotspots and areas that experience water accumulation during the monsoon is a sound practice.

 

3. Create a Safe Environment at Home

Creating a protective environment at home by using insecticide-treated bed nets, coils and vaporisers, window screens and other such structural barriers is an essential safety best practice.

 

4. Segregate Waste Responsibly

Separating wet waste from dry waste is not only an environmentally friendly practice but also necessary to curtail the spread of disease. Wet garbage is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. By ensuring that wet waste is segregated and disposed of properly, all stakeholders, the collectors, and the waste management authorities are protected.

 

Conclusion

Preventive methods in the outbreak of potentially fatal diseases are necessary so as not to burden the healthcare system during the monsoon season when the disease is most prevalent. Boosting the immune system through daily exercise, eating right, yoga and meditation practices are also recommended preventive practices. Additionally, getting a good health insurance policy that covers hospitalization expenses and treatments, tests and medication are also necessary. You can compare health insurance plans online, along with health insurance premiums, and select a health insurance plan best suited to your needs.