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Dengue fever is a re-emerging public health problem with two-fifths of the world population being at risk of infection. Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease, that thrive in and near human lodgings, caused by the dengue virus. When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. When the infected mosquito then bites another person, the virus enters that person's bloodstream.

Signs & Symptoms:

Symptoms typically begin three to fourteen days after infection. This may include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, swollen glands, pain behind the eyes and a characteristic skin rash.

When developing into severe dengue, the critical phase takes place around 3-7 days after the first sign of illness. Temperature will decrease; this does NOT mean the person is necessarily recovering. On the other hand, special attention needs to be given to these warning signs as it could lead to severe dengue like Severe abdominal pain, Persistent vomiting, Bleeding gums, Vomiting blood, Rapid breathing & Fatigue/ restlessness. In Severity of conditions like Plasma leaking that may lead to shock and/or fluid accumulation with/without respiratory distress, Severe bleeding, Severe organ impairment patient should immediately to taken to emergency in Hospital.

 

Causes:

Dengue virus (DENV) is the cause of dengue fever. It is a mosquito-borne single positive-stranded RNA virus of the family Flaviviridae; genus Flavivirus. Five serotypes of the virus have been found, all of which can cause the full spectrum of disease. Till now, dengue infections were believed to be caused by four antigenically distinct serotypesDengue Virus (DENV)-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4; each generating a unique host immune response to the infection. These four serotypes are genetically similar and share approximately 65% of their genomes. The fifth and latest addition to the existing serotypes of dengue viruses is DENV-5 which has been announced in October 2013. The possible reason for emergence of Fifth strains may be co-circulation of multiple dengue serotypes coupled with increased human activity increases the likelihood of genetic changes, leading to diversity in virus populations. Genetic recombination, natural selection and genetic bottlenecks have been implicated as factors which may lead to the emergence of this DENV- 5 serotypes.

Risks: People living or travelling in tropical or sub-tropical areas, and pre-infected with dengue virus, are at greater risk of developing dengue fever or a more severe form of the disease.

Prevention:

  1. Vaccination: One dengue fever vaccine, Dengvaxia, is currently approved for use in those ages 9 to 45 who live in areas with a high incidence of dengue fever. The vaccine is given in three doses over the course of 12 months. Dengvaxia prevents dengue infections slightly more than half the time. The vaccine is approved only for older children because younger vaccinated children appear to be at increased risk of severe dengue fever and hospitalization two years after receiving the vaccine.
  2. The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses that the vaccine is not an effective tool, on its own, to reduce dengue fever in areas where the illness is common. Controlling the mosquito population and human exposure is still the most critical part of prevention efforts like wearing protective clothing a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks and shoes; reducing mosquito habitat, Controlled & clean environment and using mosquito repellent etc.

Remedies & Treatment:

In India, drinking the juice from the papaya leaf or/& wheatgrass is one of the most common dengue home remedies. People take fresh papaya leaves or soft wheatgrass, soak them in water and grind them before drinking two or three spoons four or five times a day. Papaya leaf is rich in enzymes like papain and chymo-papain, which aid digestion, prevent bloating, other digestive disorders and juice have been documented to help in increasing the platelet count. Giloy (Amrita), scientifically known as Tinospora cordifolia is also a beneficial climber, having temperature lowering, anti-microbial, anti-viral and immune-modulator effect and is one of the key drug to treat Dengue, if use continuously for longer period.

The time-course of dengue in most individuals is a period of incubation of 10-14 days, followed by up to a week of acute symptoms, followed by a few days of recovery; rarely do the symptoms extend beyond two weeks for typical dengue infection.

In most part of south- east Asia, Euphorbia hirta, commonly known as Tawa-Tawa is a plant used in folklore medicine for the treatment of dengue. Similarly, Artemisia is also used in China, but have not specific effects to combat dengue in all aspects.

Amyron, is the multi-ingredients herbal base formulation for the comprehensive management in Dengue fever. Amyron is a special formula for all ages with vitalizing herbs which contributes to reduction of tiredness & fatigue by Ashwagandha, Shatavar, papaya leaves, Mulsi & Wheat germ oil. Amyron supplements natural iron from arbi leaves, Punernava Mandoor, Lauh Bhasam etc. with flax seeds, sunflower seeds, fenugreek, raisinsetc. which contributes to active haemopoiesis resulting in faster restoration in blood cell formation including platelets, RBCs & WBCs and normal energy release. Scientific studies prove that papaya leaves extract boost haemopoiesis and thrombopoiesis. Amyron benefits patients in associated conditions along with proper monitoring. In addition, Amyron reduces oxidative stress & improves immunity to fight of seasonal infection due to amla & aloe vera etc. Amyron also acts as ideal adaptogenic & rejuvenative, thereby can be recommended as a daily nutritional Vitalizer and Restorative tonic during Convalescence & Rehabilitation phase as Amyron is time-tested safe, delicious and significant product recommended by doctors for immunity boosting, improving blood picture and as nutritional supplement to combat the progression of severity in dengue fever.

Information on this website is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. This website is meant for use by Indian residents only.