Dengue fever is a disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by mosquitoes. It is an acute illness of sudden onset that usually follows a benign course with symptoms such as headache, fever, exhaustion, severe muscle and joint pain, swollen glands (lymphadenopathy), and rash. The presence (the “dengue triad”) of fever, rash, and headache (and other pains) is particularly characteristic of dengue. Other signs of dengue fever include bleeding gums, severe pain behind the eyes, and red palms and soles.
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Dengue (pronounced DENG-gay) strikes people with low levels of immunity. Because it is caused by one of four serotypes of virus, it is possible to get dengue fever multiple times. However, an attack of dengue produces immunity for a lifetime to that particular serotype to which the patient was exposed.
If You Think You’re Too Small To Have An Impact, Try Going To Bed With A Mosquito.
Dengue goes by other names, including “breakbone” or “dandy fever.”
Dengue starts with chills, headache, pain upon moving the eyes, and low backache. Painful aching in the legs and joints occurs during the first hours of illness. The temperature rises quickly as high as 104 F (40 C), with relative low heart rate (bradycardia) and low blood pressure (hypotension). The eyes become reddened. A flushing or pale pink rash comes over the face and then disappears. The glands (lymph nodes) in the neck and groin are often swollen.
Dietary Tips For Dengue fever
The food you should give to a dengue patient should be such that it can be easily digested. Some useful pointers to keep in mind when preparing a meal for someone suffering from dengue are:
- Give the patient fresh fruit juice frequently. Fruit juice is packed with energy and vitamins. It helps in digestion, increases urinary output, and promotes antibodies for faster recover.
- Take two fresh papaya leaves, crush them and squeeze them to extract the juice. The patient should have about two tablespoons of this juice every day. This is a very good home remedy for the treatment of dengue fever.
- Give porridge and baked toasts. Biscuits with tea can also be given. The tea should be herbal made with ginger, cardamom, and other such fever-reducing herbs.
- Always seek advice from your doctor to avoid any complications.
