Prevention is better than cure
Author : C.P.Hariharan
Email id: -
For solving any problem, the first and the foremost step is diagnosing and defining the problem and it’s awareness. Same holds true for dengue also. Awareness is the key.
Every year, we lament a lot about the deaths that occur due to dengue. But, we remain oblivious of the epidemic as if we have nothing to ponder over. We feel the pinch only when the death knocks our own door. Dengue is a vector borne disease. Delay in setting of winter and retreating rains that cause so much of water logging provide the breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spread of dengue is rapid and currently is in full swing. Transfusion of platelets and the usage of imported nets are being recommended to combat the disease. Even if mosquitoes are visible in the morning, we just do not take much care to use mosquito repellants during the day time as we use during nights.
India is poised to be dengue capital of the world. Aedes mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. These mosquitoes are active for several hours of morning. It takes around ten days to get relieved from the disease once contracted. In rare cases, it leads to lowering of BP with high fever, entailing intensive care and the myalgias, the hang over lasts for one to two weeks. Onslaught of dengue is keenly felt in the first two days. One needs to consult a doctor when the fever subsides followed by abdominal pain. Platelets should be infused only when the count is less than ten thousand. In all cases when dengue culminates, owing to drop in platelets bleeding from gums and nose and in the stools, urine and sputum may occur. It should be interpreted as a symptom. But, DHF (Dengue Haemorrhagic fever) is rarely found in children. There will be bleeding in the stools, urine and sputum etc. It is a myth that all patients require transfusion of platelets. In the absence of bleeding, platelets should not be infused.
The diagnosis of dengue is clinical and is endorsed by discrete blood tests.
As there are five serotypes of viruses, the immunity after contracting the disease is against a specific serotype only and if bitten by a mosquito of different serotype, recurring of the disease is certain. Hence, there is no guarantee that the disease will not recur. It can recur if the serotype is different.
Spreading occurs when the same mosquito which bit the patient also bites those who dwell with him.
Obliterating the twin-winged assailant is the only solution. The gravity of the disease will fade away with the onset of winter as these mosquitoes will not be able to survive at low room temperatures. In the absence of prescribed vaccine, we will have to keep the fingers crossed till the exit of prevailing hot and humid weather.
Death due to panic outweighs the death due to the disease itself.
Dengue mosquitoes lay its eggs on the walls of water filled containers in the house and in patio. The eggs after hatching survive for months. Female mosquitoes lay dozens of eggs up to five times during their life time.
As mosquitoes are active for several hours after the dawn, use of fumigation, mosquito repellants and netting our doors are recommended. This preventive measure is applicable for office as well as home.
School children are also vulnerable and hence usage of mosquito repellants in schools is also quintessential. Kids below two years should be draped in disposable drapers with mosquito netting with an elastic edge to ensure protection.
Mosquitoes breed in water logging sites like potholed roads, clogged drains, artificial water containers, open overhead water storage tanks, buckets, flower vases, pots, cans and cisterns.
Even if clinical or preclinical research on developing a vaccine is in the embryonic stage, a licensed vaccine is yet to come out. It will take several years to zero in on a vaccine.
Usage of pesticides, fumigation that kills mosquitoes is recommended.
Dengue has already broken previous five years’ records. Some people even succumb to this disease.
Dengue is infectious as the same bug bites a group of people dwelling under one roof. It’s a mosquito borne viral infection. Symptoms vary from mild fever to bed ridden high fever with severe head ache, Pain behind the eyes, muscles, joints and rashes. It is not transmitted directly from person to person. Hence it is not contagious.
Even if, there is no prescribed diet, patients are advised to take easily digestible food.
Intake of plenty of water should be supplemented by juices of fruits, lime juice and coconut water so that the patient will not feel dehydrated and drained out of energy. Ayurveda recommends intake of ginger. This will wash away the toxins from the body in the form of urine. Fresh orange juice with vitamin c which boosts energy goes a long way to create resistance power and expedite recovery. Fresh and green leafy vegetables are healthy diets to fight the virus that affects the body. Oily, spicy, salty food should be avoided.
Papaya leaf juice is also useful for stopping bedwetting among children.
High protein diets like nutrela, soya beans, milk help in restoring lost vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats in the body. Intake of fish, chicken, eggs and dairy products are conducive for fighting the virus abruptly.
We do not learn from experience. Rather we keep on nagging, blowing on our own trumpets and harping on the same string. If we continue to do what we were doing we will be in the same status quo where we were. Common interest among masses is completely lacking. It’s like a wayward stone story. When it comes to common interests, concerted effort at the community levels is quintessential. But, pragmatically what we experience is only lackadaisical attitude among people when it comes to solving public problems. It’s a different ball game altogether. We should shed adamancy, recalcitrant attitude and learn from experience. Previous experiences act as an eye opener for us to deal with the deadly fatal disease. Health is wealth and hence we cannot afford to compromise on maintaining our health at any cost. Need of the hour is action.
There is a proliferation of mosquito repellant brands. Hence, we need to assess which brand is the cheapest and at the same time most effective.
We should not resort to littering the environment and should try to maintain the environment as clean as possible. We should not provide a platform for breeding mosquitoes. A clean and green environment will keep the monstrous mosquitoes at bay.
Cost of prevention is lesser than cost of cure. Awareness campaigns go a long way in fighting the menace of dengue.
Author : c.P.Hariharan
Email id. : cphari_04@yahoo.co.in
