How to keep yourself safe if you contract dengue, and foods to help you recover faster
How to recover faster and avoid complications with dengue
Just as we are seeing COVID-19 cases plummet in India post the second wave, we are seeing an alarming high in the number of dengue cases in the country.
The dengue epidemic, a seasonal recurrence, has been surging across states in India, and causing a high rate of hospitalization too. Without a vaccine available, fighting the infection has also turned chaotic, and alarming the need for preventive care. Doctors are also suspecting that the strains in circulation are also manifesting into severe symptoms, leading to additional health risks.
While it remains crucial that we do all that we can to mitigate the risks of preventing a disease like dengue, safeguard our health , at this moment, it also is very important that individuals who do happen to contract dengue know possible means to identify if their infection is turning severe, when to seek help and follow the right diet to recover faster.
Why is the current strain of dengue so threatening?
Just like a lot of other viruses, the dengue virus, or the DENV virus is said to have four strains- some of which cause a 'milder' infection, while some of which have a higher risk of severity and mortality. With the current season, it's being suspected that the D2 strain, or DENV-2 is the responsible strain which is primarily causing a spike in infections. Since it particularly contains features which can cause severe symptoms, just like variants of coronavirus, there's been high rates of hospitalization being witnessed across states.
While most times DENV strains cause acute or mild flu-like illness, particular strains of DENV, such as D2 have been particularly associated with severe symptoms and intensity of symptoms, which can also lead to death if not managed in time. Some medical authorities have also cited the DENV-2's apparent capability to facilitate viral entry, and cause the infamous dengue-shock syndrome or the dengue-hemorrhagic fever.
Who has a high risk of battling dengue complications?
Dengue can be a manageable illness for most, but raises the risk of complications and threatening consequences for particular groups, including the kids, elderlies, those battling serious comorbidities, or having immunocompromised conditions, which could make it easier for them to catch infections, and recover slow. Those with a weak immunity could be at risk too, since it could take them longer to generate necessary immune responses, and more vulnerable to suffering from complications.
With the DENV-2 strain, the current one in circulation, there's also a considerable risk for someone who has been infected by dengue before. With dengue, a person can get infected with all four serotypes. Specifically, with a severe strain as such, those who have fought the infection before can be at risk for severe illness and risky outcomes as well. All these risk factors could cause a likely surge in hospitalizations and mortality, if the infection is not diagnosed in time or managed well.
Signs of a severe dengue infection to watch out
Usually,
with dengue, since the symptoms could be very confusing, it can be
difficult to point out as to when and how an individual is suffering
from a severe infection. However, with the trend that has been observed,
it's important to watch out for the symptoms in time, and know the
right time to seek urgent medical care.
Having said that, a low platelet count is said to be a tell-tale sign of dengue complications. With the newer strain, it's also possible for newer symptoms to come up and cause concern. The following remain to be the most cumbersome signs of a severe dengue infection, and need to be attended at the earliest:
-Severe abdominal pain and belly
-Dizziness and confusion
-Rapid breathing
-Vomiting with blood
-Hemorrhagic fever
-Rashes
-Bleeding from nose and gums
-Early signs of liver damage
-Feeling tired, restless or irritable
What should you do, if you test positive right now?
Without a vaccine available for help and a confusing parallel with COVID, it's important that any individual who suspects symptoms get tested at the earliest. To rule out complications and additional risks, getting a COVID test may also be advised.
At the same time, since dengue can be a condition which could quickly worsen, doctors also advise that patients get necessary liver function tests done, along with routine scans to evaluate blood and platelet count in the body, during the phase of infection and subsequent recovery.
If you have preconditions which could put you at risk for dengue severity, or other complications, seek advice from your doctor about the possible next steps, and medical help which would be needed.
Diet to recover from dengue: Do's and don'ts to follow
When it comes to fighting a dengue infection, concentrating on your diet is just as crucial as other aspects of treatment. On one hand, it's important to take medications, supplement the body with adequate hydrating fluids, and diet also needs to be focussed on.
While having a nourishing, balanced diet is something which is essential to fight the sickness, there are some foods which are said to facilitate faster recovery from the infection, and may also help boost the platelet count in the body. One traditional remedy, trusted for long, are papaya leaves, which are said to be rich in enzymes and antioxidants that can greatly help stabilize blood platelet count and aid recovery. Foods like pomegranates, turmeric, fenugreek leaves and fenugreek seeds, kiwis, broccoli and other seasonal fruits and vegetables could work very well in energizing the body, loading up vitamin C and other nutrients needed to fight the infection.
What foods should you avoid?
Again, since dengue can greatly impact digestion and make it difficult for a person to eat and drink well. If you are ensuring a faster, easier recovery, avoid having a lot of spicy food, oily and fried dishes. Such foods can not only be heavy on a recuperating digestive system, but can also raise vital parameters including sugar and blood pressure. Some experts also advise people from having non-vegetarian food during the phase of recovery.
Do keep in mind that a lot of fluids are lost during the recovery, and to save the complications of dehydration, minimize having caffeinated beverages, sugar and fizzy drinks. Add on the intake of healthy, replenishing fluids like coconut water, fruit juices (double check if you have diabetes), water, ORS solutions and other hydrating liquids.