It is the start of the monsoon in India. Thus, the spread of dengue fever in monsoon is common, especially in rural areas, but urban areas are no exception either. However, there are ways to protect yourself from this disease. Although if anyone gets affected, how should one care for them? let’s dive into the subject matter one by one.
The reason behind the spread of dengue fever during monsoon
Diseases like dengue and malaria tend to spread in tropical places like India. In monsoon, dengue spreads more because it is more likely for rainwater to accumulate in various places. Another reason behind the spread of dengue fever is that stagnant rainwater acts as the perfect breeding ground for the Aedes mosquitoes. Also, the warm and humid condition during monsoon accelerates their breeding cycle. Inadequate drainage systems and poor sanitation can exacerbate the accumulation of standing water and create ideal conditions for mosquito breeding.
Furthermore, dengue does not spread from person to person through casual contact, it only spreads through the infected mosquitoes. Therefore, it becomes even more important to eliminate the breeding grounds of mosquitoes.
How do I know I have dengue fever?
Dengue is caused by infected mosquitoes. If that mosquito bites, we also get infected with dengue virus. Dengue fever happens in three phases, namely:
- Febrile phase or acute phase
- Critical phase or plasma leakage phase
- Recovery phase
Dengue fever typically progresses through distinct phases, beginning with the febrile phase marked by sudden onset of high fever, severe frontal headache, pain behind the eyes exacerbated by movement, intense muscle and joint pain, and general weakness and fatigue.
Around the time fever subsides, some patients enter a critical phase characterised by plasma leakage, leading to severe abdominal pain from fluid accumulation, continuous vomiting risking dehydration, and bleeding tendencies such as nosebleeds, petechiae, easy bruising, or gum bleeding.
Following this critical phase, patients usually begin to recover during the convalescent phase, with symptoms gradually improving, although lingering fatigue and weakness may persist for weeks post-infection. Recognizing these phases is crucial for timely medical intervention and management of dengue fever, especially to prevent severe complications such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.
How to prevent the spread of dengue fever?
Preventing the spread of dengue fever primarily involves managing the breeding of mosquitoes and minimising contact with humans. Here are some tips to prevent the spread of dengue fever:
- Eliminate breeding sites, use larvicides, and fogging & spraying agents to kill mosquito larvae.
- Wear protective clothing, use mosquito repellents and mosquito nets
- Improve sanitation of your locality and home
- Toss off any stagnant water if you see one
- Consult a doctor if you see any symptoms of dengue and get vaccinated
- Follow the medication prescriptions given by your doctor and rest at home
What is the best diet for dengue patients?
Dr Swati Dave, Dietician, PhD in Food and Nutrition, Pune says, “Dengue patients should eat a balanced diet rich in fluids, fruits, and vegetables. Foods like papaya leaves, pomegranate, and coconut water can help boost platelet count and hydration. Additionally, light meals such as soups, porridge, and herbal teas support recovery and maintain energy levels.” Furthermore, eating a balanced and nutritious diet is important for dengue patients at it will help them recover faster from the disease.
How to cure dengue?
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, General Physician, in Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi says, “Curing dengue involves symptomatic treatment as there is no specific antiviral treatment for the virus.” However, there are vaccines available for dengue that your doctor might suggest if you get infected.
Here are the proactive measures that you can follow to manage and reduce the occurrence of dengue:
Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body fight the infection.
Hydration: Drink lots of fluids such as water, oral rehydration solutions, and fruit juices to prevent dehydration.
Medication: Use paracetamol to relieve pain and reduce fever. Avoid aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
Monitoring: Regularly monitor your temperature and watch for signs of complications such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or difficulty breathing.
Healthy Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals to support your immune system. Include foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Medical Supervision: Follow your doctor’s advice and attend follow-up appointments to monitor your condition.
Dengue fever spreads only through an infected mosquito, hence, it becomes important to eradicate breeding grounds. Also, taking proper preventive measures such as using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and keeping your surroundings clean to eliminate mosquito breeding sites are crucial to avoid dengue infection.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
