With Coronavirus flashing all day in prime news and taking up space in all the important sections of the newspapers, does not make all the viruses which previously were at this spot non-existential. Dengue virus has caused an alarming number of deaths in the past and still remains a cause of major concern.
What is Dengue?
Dengue viruses are spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. This mosquito usually bites during the day and breeds in clean water. They lay their eggs in standing water like buckets, bowls, vases, coolers etc. It thrives in hot and humid conditions. Dengue is common in more than 100 countries of the world and almost 40% of the world’s population that is around 3 billion people live in areas with risk of Dengue.
Dengue Symptoms
Symptoms of Dengue can range from mild to severe. The less severe or mild symptoms of dengue can be confused for other regular illnesses which can cause fever, body aches and pains and mild rashes.
The most common symptoms of Dengue fever can be the following:
- Aches and pains (headache, joint pain, bone pain or pain in the eyes)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rash
These symptoms can last for 3-7 days. Most people recover in a week’s time.
Cost of dengue test
Patients suffering from high fever are often made to take a series of tests to detect the cause of fever. They end up spending a few thousand rupees on diagnostic tests. In most of the cities the price of a dengue test ranges between ₹1100-₹2000 depending upon the facilities, services and technology that the lab provides. However, as the virus has spent some time in the country, a few hospitals have developed several softwares based on mathematical calculations which are 87% accurate and cost only up to Rs.200. Your doctor shall recommend the best suited way for you.
How does the doctor confirm I have dengue?
Since the symptoms of dengue overlap with many primary symptoms of other illnesses, it is imperative to get a confirmed diagnosis done. Definitive tests for dengue, including rapid point-of-care tests, allow for early identification and prompt notification. A confirmed diagnosis would also be helpful to give patient education and encourage compliance to follow-up checks. A confirmed diagnosis also allows physicians to provide patients with better and appropriate advice, including steps for vector-bite prevention, thereby limiting the transmission of the illness. This testing is done at two different levels – Molecular testing and Antibody testing. It is best advised to consult your physician or a local clinic as the earliest signs of symptoms start to show.
What if you actually have dengue fever?
After getting the appropriate tests done, if you actually test positive for dengue fever, there is absolutely no need for panic because unlike covid 19 it is not a novel virus and our doctors and hospitals have researched the required cures for it. There are multiple ayurvedic treatments available like consumption of Giloy, papaya leaves, etc.
What is the treatment for dengue?
There are no specific medications for dengue. The doctors usually treat the specific symptoms shown by patients in a varied manner. The primary treatments include taking as much rest as possible, a high intake of fluids (water, coconut water, fluids with added electrolytes to stay hydrated).
In case you are in a severe dengue zone, then immediate medical consultation or even hospitalisation might be required. It is hence recommended that both in mild or severe cases, a doctor must be consulted to be sure in which zone you really fall and which kind of treatment shall work the best for you.
How long does the treatment take?
The acute phase of dengue with fever and muscle pain lasts about one to two weeks. A feeling of weakness and fatigue along with convalescence, and full recovery often takes several weeks. The course of the medical condition also takes several weeks in most of the cases.
How can I prevent myself from getting the fever?
Since dengue is a mosquito-borne disease, preventing dengue is equivalent to preventing a mosquito bite. Many health organizations suggest simple yet effective ways to prevent fever-
- Wearing full-sleeved clothes especially during the monsoons and humid time of the year
- Keeping your legs covered
- Using mosquito repellent especially at places where you doubt the presence of mosquitoes.
- You can consider using mosquito nets if your area has many mosquitoes.
- You should avoid areas with standing water
- Ensure cleanliness in and around your house or your workplace where you prevent a maximum amount of time.
- You can keep your windows and other places of entry for mosquitoes closed especially at the specific times of dawn and dusk when they are most active.
- Keep yourself well hydrated
- Remain aware of the symptoms that your body shows
Still, waters are the prime cause of dengue. To avoid still waters –
- Get rid of old tires in your yard, as they collect standing water
- Unclog gutters on the roof
- Change water in birdbaths at least weekly
- Empty unused containers, such as flower pots, regularly or store them upside down
- Regularly change the water in your desert coolers and in case they are not in use, keep them dry and clean.
Each year around 400 million are infected with dengue around the world. However, its prevention and its cure are much less complicated than other viruses.
Conclusion
Many insurance companies have come up with specific dengue cover, yes you read that right. But do you really need it? Which and what is the best health insurance for you with which you might not need an exclusive cover? Don’t sweat, let RenewBuy help you with these questions which may occur to you.
Keep yourself safe by keeping your immunity high and taking the necessary precautions.