Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus, transmitted
through the bite of an infected Aedes
mosquito. With increasing urbanization, stagnant water, and warmer
climates, dengue has become a recurring seasonal health threat—especially in
tropical countries like India.
Let’s explore how to recognize the signs, prevent infection, and support
recovery.
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a mosquito-borne illness caused by four types of dengue virus (DENV-1 to DENV-4). Once infected, the
body builds lifelong immunity to that specific virus type, but subsequent infections with different types
can increase the risk of severe complications.
Common Symptoms of Dengue
Symptoms usually begin 4–10 days after the mosquito bite. These include:
● Sudden high fever (up to
104°F or 40°C)
● Severe headache, pain behind the eyes
● Muscle, joint, or bone
pain (“breakbone fever”)
● Nausea, vomiting
● Skin rashes (typically 2–5
days after fever starts)
● Fatigue and weakness
In some cases, Dengue can become
severe, leading to Dengue
Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue
Shock Syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening.
Warning Signs of Severe Dengue
Seek immediate medical help if any of these appear:
● Bleeding gums or nose
● Blood in vomit or stool
● Difficulty breathing
● Persistent vomiting
● Abdominal pain or
tenderness
● Extreme fatigue or
restlessness
How to Prevent Dengue
The best protection is mosquito
control and bite prevention:
- Use Mosquito Repellents with DEET,
picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear
long-sleeved clothing and full-length pants outdoors.
- Sleep
under mosquito nets, especially during daytime naps.
- Eliminate
standing water in flower pots, coolers, plant trays, and
open containers.
- Use mesh screens on windows and doors.
Nutrition & Hydration During
Recovery
While there's no specific antiviral treatment for dengue, supportive care
is essential.
● Hydration is key: Drink water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS),
coconut water, and fresh juices.
● Eat light, nutritious food: Soft khichdi, fruits like papaya,
kiwi, and pomegranate help recovery.
● Avoid painkillers like ibuprofen
or aspirin as they can increase
bleeding risk. Paracetamol is safer.
Home Remedies (Supportive Only)
Though not a cure, some people use these remedies to support platelet
count and energy levels:
● Papaya leaf juice – traditionally used to boost
platelet count.
● Giloy juice – believed to strengthen immunity.
● Turmeric milk – for overall healing.
(Always consult a doctor before using home remedies.)
Role of Supplements & Immune
Support
During and after dengue, the immune system can remain weak. Supplements can support faster
recovery:
● Vitamin C & Zinc: for immune repair
● Multivitamins: to restore nutritional balance
● Iron & Folic acid: to recover from blood loss or
fatigue
When to See a Doctor
Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
A blood test to check for NS1 antigen
or IgM antibodies is used to confirm
dengue.
Final Thoughts
Dengue is preventable and manageable with awareness, timely care, and a
healthy recovery plan. Staying informed and taking basic precautions can
protect your family and community from this recurring monsoon menace.
Trusted Healthcare Support from
Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd
For immune support, pain relief, and nutritional recovery during and
after dengue, Steris Healthcare Pvt Ltd offers a wide range of
high-quality products:
● Sterimmune CDZ – Multivitamin with Zinc &
Vitamin C
● Metapect PCM – Paracetamol for fever and pain
● Diclosteris Spray – For body pain and joint ache
● Conaris 100 – For general weakness and
post-viral fatigue
Stay safe, stay strong, and trust Steris
Healthcare Pvt Ltd for reliable healthcare solutions.
