As monsoon and mosquitoes go together, dengue is spreading rapidly in India’s capital, according to a new report. The report released by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi showed that in 2023, over 160 dengue cases have been reported in the capital till mid-July. According to a PTI report, this is worrying as it is the highest for the period since 2018. Many people have a lot to say about this vector-borne disease, but not all are facts. Read on to know more about the common myths associated with dengue.
To debunk the myths of dengue, Health Shots reached out to Dr Nikhil S Kulkarni, MD Fellowship, American College of Physicians and Infectious Disease Specialist, KJ Somaiya Hospital & Research Centre, Mumbai.
What is dengue?
When it starts raining, many mosquitoes come out and play. There is now a type of mosquito, Aedes, that can bite you or your family and give you dengue fever. These mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water, which is why we are always told to keep our surroundings clean. Dr. Kulkarni says that 80 percent of infections can be asymptomatic. But there are some symptoms like sudden onset of high fever, headache and body aches, pain behind the eyes, abdominal pain, bleeding gums or nose, vomiting, lethargy and confusion.
Dengue Myths
Monsoon provides favorable breeding conditions for mosquitoes. This increases their population. Experts say that during the monsoon, rain water gets accumulated at many places and Aedes mosquitoes thrive in this stagnant water. While this is true, there are many myths surrounding dengue.
Myth 1: Dengue can spread easily from person to person.
fact: Dr Kulkarni says that it does not spread from person to person as it is caused by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.
Myth 2: Only Aedes aegypti mosquitoes spread dengue.
fact: Although the Aedes aegypti mosquito is the primary agent of dengue, other species such as Aedes albopictus can also spread the dengue virus.
Myth 3: Platelet transfusion is needed every time there is dengue fever.
fact: The normal platelet count is 150,000 to 410,000, but in dengue, it can drop to the low level (50,000 to 150,000) by the fourth or fifth day of illness. Platelet transfusion is done only when the platelet count drops below 10000 or there is any evidence of bleeding.
Myth 4: Platelets can be increased only by platelet transfusion.
fact: Platelets can also be increased naturally. You can try these methods to increase platelets at home –
• Take papaya leaf extract, which contains ALOX-12 enzyme. Expert says, it naturally stimulates platelet formation.
• Treat dehydration with ORS or coconut water or pomegranate juice.
• A diet rich in folate is needed, so eat oranges, kiwis, cranberries, papayas, tomatoes or dragon fruit.
• Foods like whole grains and asparagus also help.
Myth 5: You can eat freely when you are sick.
fact: If you or your loved ones have dengue, it is important to follow a certain diet and avoid certain foods. For example, they cannot eat oily food. Fried or oily foods contain a lot of fat which can cause high blood pressure and weaken the immune system.
ways to prevent dengue
There are some things that you can do to protect yourself and your family from dengue.
• It’s time to say goodbye to stagnant water.
• Destroy mosquito habitats by keeping places clean and using insecticides.
• Wear clothes that cover most of the body.
• Use mosquito nets and repellents.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C and folate.
There is no vaccine or medicine that is effective against dengue, so it is best to focus on preventive measures.
Source link: sensationsix.com Source link: www.healthshots.com
Comments
Post a Comment