Take precautions and save yourself from deadly dengue.
Ranveer Singh, who was diagnosed with a severe case of dengue, is still struggling to recover from the rapidly spreading disease. Looking at how worse the condition is becoming, here are somepertinent guidelines and facts, about the disease. Dengue, according to the World Health Organization is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease in the world.
The fever is spread by the bite of mosquitoes, most commonly Aedes aegypti, which is found in tropic and subtropics regions. This mosquito, which is also an efficient vector of the yellow fever and chikungunya viruses, typically breeds near human habitation, using relatively fresh water from sources such as water jars, vases, discarded containers, coconut husks, and old tires. Aegypti usually inhabits dwellings and bites during the day.With increasing spread of the vector mosquito throughout the tropics and subtropics, large areas of the world have become vulnerable to the introduction of Dengue viruses, particularly through air travel by infected humans.
Dengue fever begins with a sudden high fever, often as high as 104-105 degrees Fahrenheit, four to seven days after the infection. Headache, and retro orbital and back pain, along with the severe myalgia that gave rise to the colloquial designation, break-bone fever, are common symptoms. A flat, red rash may appear over most of the body for two-five days after the fever catches up. Other symptoms include fatigue, joint aches, muscle aches and nausea.
Laboratory findings indicate a low white blood cell count, which may then be followed by low platelets and metabolic acidosis. In a severe case, plasma leakage results in hemoconcentration (as indicated by a rising hematocrit) and hypoalbuminemia.
According to Ayurveda, in cases of dengue, virus infestation throws Pitta out of balance, leading to destruction of platelets. This reduction in platelet count in the blood can often lead to dangerous consequences if not checked in time. The disease is caused only when there is lack of immunity in the body, as per the age-old wisdom. The concept of immunity is based on the beej-bhumi (seed-land) theory. When the land (body) is fertile (laden with toxins or ama which get accumulated due to improper digestion), all the seeds (viruses) are able to grow easily. In contrast, when the land is infertile, lesser number of seeds germinates. This means, when the human body contains ama, it becomes a fertile breeding ground for different kinds of viruses. On the other hand, ojas is the product of a healthy digestive system, which helps the body in resisting infection. Low ojas is lack of immunity at the physical level and absence of mental strength at the mind level. Ayurveda says you can prevent the spread of dengue by strengthening the ojas and enhancing your body immunity.
Guidelines for preventing dengue
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet to keep your body strong, nourished, and ready to fight infection. Stick with whole grains, colorful vegetables and vitamin-rich fruits.
- Support your immune system by exercising moderately on a regular basis. It helps in increasing the blood circulation and eliminating the blockage in body channels.
- Make sure you get at least seven-eight hours of good sleep every night. This will boost your immune system and enhance the ojas in your body.
- The environment should be clean. Get rid of water holding containers such as discarded tins, empty pots, broken bottles, coconut shells and the likes. Proper care must be taken so that water accumulation in unwanted places should not last for over five days. Dry all the desert coolers and containers in the house, office, factory and school, once a week.
- Add two tablespoons of petrol/kerosene oil in coolers, containers and uncovered/ improperly covered tanks, if they can’t be dried weekly.
- Use mosquito repellents, mesh doors / windows, mosquito coils, vapor mats and nets even during daytime, especially for infants and small children.
- Wear full-sleeves uppers and long dresses/trousers that cover arms and legs during epidemic season to prevent mosquito bite.
- Protect dengue patients from mosquito bites by any of above methods.
- Weekly anti-larval measures in and around construction sites where there are water collections.
- Don’t give Aspirin or Brufen to patients with dengue.
