Dengue recovery: Side-effects which can linger after recovery

Dengue symptoms which can linger on post recovery

The surging rise in dengue infections recorded this year is absolutely worrying. Coupled by the rise in viral infections and emergence of a new strain, dengue remains a terrible infection to go through, which can also weaken the body and even lead to severe complications like platelet loss and induce the infamous dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Even though the mortality rate remains low, what can be concerning can be the symptoms which plague the body, even after the dengue virus has been rooted out.

Dengue can be a life-threatening disease

Now, while dengue can be an infection which can prove extremely risky for someone who has poor immunity, serious comorbidities or the ones who have contracted dengue fever before, it's important to remember that the symptoms, and the duration of infection can completely weaken the body. More so, like COVID-19, there can be some symptoms which can linger on for longer, and hinder healthy living.

Although post-dengue recovery symptoms may not strike everyone, it can be extremely difficult for the ones who have fragile health or undergo severe dengue infection. We discuss a few symptoms to be careful of, and how to ensure a healthy recovery:

Extreme weakness and poor immunity

A viral infection like dengue is earmarked by the characteristic high-grade fever, which is the reason it's also referred to as break-bone fever. Unlike a regular infection, a dengue fever can range from 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit and last for long. More so, with heavy inflammation and platelet loss, it can prove extremely tough for a person to get up even, and as a result, weakness can set it. Fatigue and weakness can be one of the toughest side-effects to deal from. Further, since fighting the infection can take a heavy toll on the immune system, one can also be at risk of getting frequent infections.

Hair-fall

Not just COVID, even a dengue infection could possibly result in hair loss. People while recovering from severe dengue often complain of excessive hair loss. This type of hair loss can last up to 1-2 months after acute dengue infection. A few people affected with dengue also develop alopecia (hair fall in small patches) because of medications, metabolic or hormonal stress or severe systemic infections.

Joint and muscle pain

Just like fever, joint and muscle pain is a characteristic symptom of a dengue infection. Also referred to as polyarthralgia (joint pain) and myalgia (muscle pain), this symptom can remain for several days even after you've fought-off the fever, and is likely due to the vast inflammation present in the body. Since the illness also makes the body extremely weak and sedentary, exercising muscles and joints after a long while can prove tough.

Loss of appetite and deficiency

One of the problems of fighting a severe infection like dengue could be the hit it takes to the digestive system. When you are in the recovery phase, extreme fever and weakness can make it difficult for you to eat meals properly and suffer from several nutrient deficiencies. That is why it is often suggested that patients must focus on ensuring proper fluid intake and have nourishing foods which are easy for the body to digest.

Weight loss

Fighting the infection for a prolonged period could make the body extremely weak, and if you haven't been eating well, it could impact your metabolism and make you lose weight. Not only is it vital to maintain ideal body weight, include more foods into your diet which cover up nutritional deficiencies and support a healthy recovery.

How to ensure a healthy recovery

It's important not to rush into normalcy after recovering from dengue and give the body ample time to properly rest and heal. If you are not too careful, not only will you put yourself at the risk of developing frequent pains, aches, weakness and catch more infections, but also worsen health. Apart from this, for proper recovery, ensure that:

-You include a lot of hydrating liquids, ORS supplements and have plenty of water in a day

-You steer clear of junk and processed food which may be difficult for your body to digest

-You take care of Vitamin B12, D levels and increase intake of all essential nutrient groups

-You have iron and antioxidant rich foods which can boost platelet supply

-All medications and supplements are taken properly.

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Stress Can Lead to Overeating

The concept of 'stress eating' is an old one. Researchers have time and again linked stress with untimely food cravings that may lead to obesity. Various scientific studies have shown that stress can induce the need to eat, sabotage all weight loss efforts and trigger many health problems.

According to experts, if you cannot resist the sweet stuff in your refrigerator and crave for food even after a sumptuous meal, you could be a victim of overeating. Going long hours without eating and choosing from the wide variety of food options available in the market are few of the many factors that contribute to overeating.

While listing the various reasons that lead to overeating, a dietitian says, "Usually, when people feel emotional, stressed, are under any kind of trauma or have any discomfort, they tend to eat a lot."

She adds, "Sometimes people tend to overeat when they leave long gaps between two meals. Another reason could be that they eat to make themselves feel better and are trying to overcome a trauma."


Another Dietitian  agrees and adds, "Apart from overeating, stress can also cause under-eating. Under eating leads to hair fall, calcium deficiency, less immunity, lack of glow on the face and anemia."

However,a nutritionist  said that the percentage of people who eat when stressed is lower. "Rather, people these days earn well and have more affordable food options to select from. Also, the number of outings have increased where they end up eating more junk which makes them overweight."

Experts suggest that skipping or having a late breakfast is also a reason for being overweight.

She said that the few symptoms associated with overeating include "Eating more rapidly than normal, depression or mood swings, abnormal eating patterns, history of weight fluctuations, unsuccessful diets and obesity." 

"These days, people leave for work early and by the time they eat it gets late. Since they don't eat a proper meal, they are extremely hungry and end up eating anything they get. The main effect of overeating is overweight, which can further lead to various medical complications" concurred a dietitian.

"Apart from weight gain, overeating can also lead to increase in the percentage of fat, indigestion, and loose motions. Hormonal imbalance usually seen in women gives rise to irregular menstruation, facial hair growth, hair fall and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)" she said . 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder which affects women of reproductive age. Those affected suffer from numerous cysts located along the outer edge of each ovary. "It is very important for women with PCOS to keep a tab on their weight as the condition leads to further medical complications. There is no particular age for a woman to catch this condition, it can start from an early age as well." a dietitian added.

"The condition is usually seen in youngsters as they eat more junk food, but even elders suffer from the same problem." she said.

A latest study conducted at The Ohio State University in United States proves that stressful events can negatively affect the body's metabolism and potentially contribute to weight gain, almost five kilograms a year in women.

The study was conducted on 58 women with an average age 53. It was found that the stressed women also had higher levels of insulin, which contributes to the storage of fat, and less fat oxidation - the conversion of large fat molecules into smaller molecules that can be used as fuel. Fat that is not burned is stored.

The dietitian concluded by saying that if compulsive overeating, characterized by excessive food consumption, is not treated it can lead to diseases like obesity, diabetics, heart disease, hypertension, depression, kidney disease and high cholesterol.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.

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