Helpful tips to prevent dengue fever

Dengue fever also called break-bone fever is one of the viral diseases which is emerging as a major health threat to people in many parts of the world, especially in tropical countries. It is a vector-borne viral disease that is spread through a mosquito called Aedes aegypti. It mainly affects humans and they become the source of further infection. It causes flu-like symptoms which when left untreated can cause a fatal condition called dengue hemorrhagic fever or severe dengue. Though there is no particular treatment for this condition, it can be prevented by taking proper safety measures.

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Causes

It is caused by the dengue virus which comprises four distinct serotypes, DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and, DEN-4.

The Aedes aegypti mosquito especially the female is the foremost vector that transmits the viruses to humans and carries the infection from the infected humans to others.

An increase in crowded areas provides a suitable environment for mosquitoes to reproduce and multiply and also promotes the spread of infection.

People travel to various countries, which makes them a perfect carrier for this infection to spread in places otherwise unaffected.

Symptoms

Fever
Body pains
Rashes
Nausea and vomiting

Severe dengue

Severe dengue is a very serious stage of this disease that may result in shock, internal bleeding, and sometimes death. The symptoms are:

Severe fever with headaches
Stomach pain
Tenderness of abdomen
Vomiting more than three times a day
Bleeding from the nose and gums
Vomiting of blood
Bleeding per rectum
Fatigue
Severe headaches
Severe joint and muscle pain

Treatment

It is usually managed by hospitalization and isolation with enough rest and hydration with electrolytes.

Also Read How to cure Viral Fever and Cough with Effective Homeopathic Medicines?

Preventing Dengue Fever

The only and best way to prevent the spread of infection is to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes and keep the surrounding environment mosquito-free.

For indoor protection:

Try to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible.
Always use mosquito repellents when indoors.
Try to use air conditioning if affordable.
Spray the repellants in every nook and corner of the house.
Keep the windows and door screens secure with nets.
For further protection, use mosquito nets while sleeping.
Regularly clean and change the water in flower vases.
Clear the dark areas such as under the bed, corners, dustbins, etc.
Keep the bathroom and toilets clean and dry.
To keep the surrounding mosquito-free:
Clear the places where water stagnates and mosquitoes tend to breed.
Regularly dispose, clean and change the water in outdoor pools, pet dishes, etc.
Empty the buckets and watering cans after use.
Avoid flooding the plants with too much water.
Avoid going outside at the break of dawn, dusk, and early evening when the mosquitoes are active.
Clear the dried and fallen leaves and puddles.
To keep the environment clean:
Take proper action if there is pooling, puddles and, stagnation of water in the neighbourhood.
Disposal of the waste properly and regularly.
Use pesticide and insecticide spray in the garden.
Avoid overflow of drainage in the area and if there are such problems, take immediate measures to avoid the breeding of mosquitoes.
Disinfect the water storage containers regularly.
Take proper vector-control measures such as fumigation in the area.
Using mosquito repellent creams and patches:
Please read the instruction on the label before use.
Avoid applying the repellent directly on the skin.
Follow the instructions carefully when applying the repellent to children.
It should not be used on babies younger than 2 months old.
Do not apply it on the hands, eyes, or mouths of the children
Do not apply it over a cut or irritated skin.
Avoid spraying the repellant on the child. Spray the insect repellent on your hands and then apply to the children.
Do not use repellants that contain oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children below 3 years.
Keep the repellants away from the children.
Try to use natural insect repellents.

For children:

Protect the baby by using nets and proper coverings.
Dress up the child in clothes that cover the body, arms and, legs.
Always cover the crib, stroller or a carrier with mosquito net.
Make them wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants with socks.
Create a mosquito-free environment for the children.

While travelling:

Do proper research on the health risks before traveling to other countries.
Make a list of everything needed for the journey along with an emergency kit.
When packing a medical kit don’t forget to add mosquito repellent and a pretreated net.
Wherever the destination is, try to wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants.
Use clothes treated with repellents like permethrin while travelling to high-risk areas.
Always use EPA-registered mosquito repellent like DEET.
Use mosquito nets in areas where mosquitoes are highly populated.

Personal protection:

Apply mosquito repellent cream and sprays or wear mosquito patches.
Sleep under a mosquito net.
Keep a mosquito repellant vapouriser in the rooms.
Use an electronic vaporizer or air conditioner in the room.
Wear protective clothing to avoid mosquito bites.
Avoid personal contact with an infected person.
Avoid mosquito-attracting smells such as perfumes and soaps.

During an outbreak:

Avoid crowded areas such as malls, markets, schools and, colleges.
Take preventive medicines as suggested by government health agencies.
Avoid travelling by buses and trains.
Avoid areas where the outbreak is high.
Avoid going to hospitals without proper protection.

Infection at home:

Keep the infected person in isolation or transfer them to a health care facility.
Keep them hydrated with plenty of fluids.
Keep friends and family especially pregnant women and children away from the infected person.
Take every precaution to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes as the source of infection is nearby.

Also Read Immunity: Can Bad Immunity Cause Frequent Fever?

Homeopathic remedies for the treatment of Dengue Fever

Please note that it is always advised to visit a homeopath for treatment. The below compilation is based on the publications by authoritative sources published with the sole purpose of first-aid till the time the patient is mobilized to a health centre.

Eupatorium perfoliatum

It is the first and foremost homeopathic remedy that is used as a preventive and most indicated for dengue fever. The symptoms are severe muscle and joint pains with a high fever. Hence it is called bone-set as it gives great relief in case of severe bone and joint pains during fever. Severe headache with nausea, vomiting and severe chill with shivering. It can be used as a prophylactic remedy as it closely resembles the symptoms of dengue.

Gelsemium

Gelsemium is the best homeopathic remedy for fever with extreme weakness and prostration. The sensation of dizziness and drowsiness during fever. Fever with chills which travel up and down the back. Headache with the heaviness of eyes and pain in the back of the head. Fever without thirst.

Belladonna

It is indicated for fever with throbbing pain in the temples.

Ipecac

It is indicated when there is a fever with persistent nausea and vomiting.

Arsenic album

It is indicated for fever with restlessness mentally and physically. Persistent nausea that gets worse by the smell or sight of food. Vomiting is worse from eating or drinking anything. Fears, of death, of being left alone. Septic fever with marked exhaustion worse after midnight

Rhustoxicodendron

It is indicated for fever with chills and reddish, vesicular eruptions, and joint pain with aching in the bones. Dry cough and restlessness. Feels very cold as if cold water were poured over it, followed by heat.

China officinalis

It is indicated fever with marked debility due to loss of vital fluids. Fever with marked periodicity. Pains in the limbs and joints, as if sprained worse from slight touch and relieved by hard pressure. Joints swollen, trembling, with numb sensation. The weariness of joints is worse in the mornings and when sitting up.

Crotalus horridus

It is a useful homeopathic remedy for fever with hemorrhagic tendency. It helps to treat dengue hemorrhagic fever, where the platelet count is very low. Septic fever, typhoid or malarial fever. Hemorrhagic diathesis. Bleeding from every orifice of the body and bloody sweat. The yellow color of the conjunctiva. This remedy clears up vision after keratitis, or kerato-iritis. Tongue fiery red, smooth, polished and intensely swollen.

Bryonia alba

For fever with muscle and joint pain which is worse from the least motion. The pains are stitching, and tearing, worse at night, greatly aggravated by motion, and relieved by rest. Fever with pulse full, hard, tense, and quick. Chills with external coldness and internal heat.

Phosphorus

Fever with hemorrhagic diathesis. It is indicated for dengue hemorrhagic fever. Fever with chills every evening. Cold knees at night. Lack of thirst with an unnatural hunger. Hectic fever with small, quick pulse and profuse night sweats.

Pyrogenum

It is the best homeopathic remedy for septicemia, puerperal fever, diphtheria, typhoid and, other infectious fevers. Soreness of the body, the bed feels hard and the parts lain on feel sore and bruised. Tongue: large, flabby; clean, smooth as if varnished, fiery red; dry, cracked with difficult articulation. Vomiting persistent brownish like coffee-ground. Discharges offensive with impacted or obstructed bowels.

Baptisia

It is one of the best fever remedies in homeopathy. It is indicated for fever with marked prostration and muscle pains. Indescribable sick feeling. Great muscular soreness. The discharges are offensive smelling and putrid. All the secretions are offensive such as breath, stool, urine, sweat, etc. chills with rheumatic pains and soreness all over the body during fever. Heat all over the body with occasional chills.