Published : November 24, 2021 7:48 PM IST
Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitos that cause high fever, headache, muscle and joint discomfort, and skin rashes. This infection is caused by four closely related serotypes of a Flaviviridae virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4, which are transmitted by the bite of Aedes mosquitos. Though these viruses are self-limiting and do not stay longer than 10 days, they can produce dengue haemorrhagic fever in extreme cases (DHF).
Dengue cases are back to haunting several states in the country, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and more. The number of deaths has also increased from the past few years, which has concerned the authorities. But the danger is not limited to adults. Dengue fever has even got kids under its claws.
Magnesium is essential for sleep, reducing constipation, and has neuro-anti-inflammatory properties. It also helps in muscle relaxation and supports overall pregnancy wellness.
A pregnant woman infected with dengue can pass on the infection to the fetus. Plus, it is common for the immune system to weaken during pregnancy, which makes them more vulnerable to dengue symptoms. Low immunity levels can lead to dengue fever and it can become difficult for pregnant women to come out of it easily.
The common symptoms of dengue such as fever, headache, rash, body aches, pain in the eyes and rapid decrease in platelets are seen in pregnancy but they can be more severe in this case. The effect of dengue can be seen in many ways in the child, such as low birth weight, being born prematurely, which is called premature delivery, and the baby can also die in the uterus itself.
If dengue affects a woman in the first trimester of pregnancy, then there is a risk of miscarriage. But yes, being infected with dengue does not hinder the development of the baby in any way. Unlike the Zika virus, dengue fever does not affect a child's physical or mental development.
If the mother has dengue after delivery, then there is no problem with breastfeeding. This means that the mother can easily feed the baby. It is advisable that the mother feed the child because the antibodies present in the milk will safeguard the child from infections like these.
Avoid places with high dengue occurrences. Also, the places where there is water logging or a high chance of contracting the disease. If for some reason you have to go to such places, make sure to wear full-sleeved clothes, use a mosquito net and protect yourself as much as possible.
Do not take medicine without your doctor’s advice. In case of fever, contact your doctor immediately and take the prescribed medicine. However, in case of emergency, a patient can take paracetamol but there is still a chance of a side effect, which is why you must connect with a doctor to seek proper treatment. Also, keep yourself hydrated for a quick recovery. You can have coconut water, buttermilk, juice, milk, water, etc.
Giloy juice, kiwi and juice of papaya leaves may help increase the platelets. However, it is advisable to contact your doctors for proper treatment.