National Dengue Day: 3 Things for You to Learn About Dengue

National Dengue Day is celebrated on the 16th of May in India [1]. The GoI, through its Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has made it compulsory for states to notify it when any cases of dengue are found. This works to our benefit since it helps control the spread of dengue. 

The government started the National Dengue Day initiative to create awareness about dengue and build perception regarding the preventive measures to control the spread of this vector-borne disease. The National Dengue Day theme also focuses on preventing deadly dengue outbreaks. Read on to understand more about this vector-borne disease on National Dengue Day 2022. 

How is dengue caused, and what are its symptoms?

This National Dengue Day, keep in mind that the dengue virus is responsible for this infectious disease. The infection is caused due to an Aedes aegypti mosquito bite. Dengue symptoms start to show in about a week after being bitten by the vector mosquito on average though they may appear even earlier. 

Dengue symptoms include:

• Joint and muscle pain
• Fever that can reach 103-104°
• Migraines
• Eye pain 
• Red, irritated skin 

Dengue hemorrhagic fever is trailed by additional symptoms like:

• Acute pain in the stomach pain
• Nausea and frequent vomiting
• Bleeding from various sources as such nose and urine or stools 

In extreme cases of hemorrhagic fever, also known as dengue shock syndrome, this disease can lead to death. 

How is dengue treated?

Dengue infections can be either severe or mild, but there is no treatment that is particular to this disease [2]. For severe infections, doctors will recommend the patient to get an IV drip or a blood transfusion in a hospital to address dehydration and loss of fluids. If you have a mild infection, you can be treated at home as per the instructions of your doctor. 

Usually, you will be asked to take bed rest, drink fluids such as electoral water, and medicines such as over-the-counter pills for fever and reducing body pain. However, ask your doctor before taking pain killers as these can result in bleeding in certain cases. Make sure you do not take any medicines yourself to prevent such ill effects and talk to a trusted physician about noticing dengue symptoms. Since the disease can spread to other family members or those in close proximity to you, ensure you are isolated as per the doctor's advice. 

What you can learn about staying safe on National Dengue Day

You can prevent dengue by using a few tried and tested ways to boost your protection as well as sanitation and cleanliness. What you can keep in mind when following any of these measures is to prevent the Aedes mosquitoes from breeding, especially in the rainy season, anywhere near you and reduce your chances of being bitten. 

Here is what you can do to prevent dengue:

Clear stagnant water on a regular basis

Mosquitoes are responsible for breeding in stagnant water. In the monsoon months, make sure that your stagnant water is regularly replaced and cleaned. Wherever possible, you can add larvicides, which is an insecticide that eliminates mosquito larvae, to the water to prevent the mosquitoes from breeding. 

Don't let your body be exposed to mosquito bites. 

During monsoon, ensure you wear full-sleeved shirts and full-length pants. This will ensure your hands and legs are not exposed. You can apply mosquito repellent to keep mosquitoes at bay. Also, avoid areas where water accumulates, and mosquitoes are present. 

Create a hygienic environment at home 

Use bed nets, vaporizers, coils, and window screens at home to prevent insects from entering. 

Manage your waste properly.

Practice separating your dry and wet waste. This will not only be an environmentally friendly practice but also help curtail the spread of dengue. 

National Dengue Day focuses on educating everyone about the various aspects of this disease. When it comes to dengue and other infectious diseases that cause outbreaks, it is important to learn how to prevent and treat them. Note that the Aedes mosquito is also one of the causes of zika virus infection, so it is important to be safe. 

Apart from mosquitoes, make sure to stay away from other viral fever causes, especially during the change of seasons. If you still get fever and experience other symptoms, get a doctor's consultation on Bajaj Finserv Health. In such situations, only a medical practitioner can advise whether you need to undergo a dengue fever diagnosis test or if your symptoms stem from other diseases. Thus, you can avail proper treatment from experts without having to leave your home and start your journey towards a quick recovery!