Doctors say most dengue cases can be managed in the outpatient departments of hospitals and only the most severe cases need hospitalisation. The World Health Organisation or WHO has released an advisory on the symptoms in patients that should lead to hospitalisation.

A flat, red rash may appear over most of the body 2 to 5 days after the fever starts. A second rash, which looks like the measles, appears later in the disease. Infected people may have increased skin sensitivity and are very uncomfortable.

Dengue fever Dengue causes flu-like symptoms and lasts for 2-7 days. Dengue fever usually occurs after an incubation period of 4-10 days after the bite of the infected mosquito.

For example, if a person suffers from a fever post-surgery, he/she must not take a bath as that may affect the wound or stitches, adds doctor Suranjit. Taking a bath during fever is not only relaxing but helps to lower down the body temperature.

There is no specific medicine to treat dengue infection. If you think you may have dengue fever, you should use pain relievers with acetaminophen and avoid medicines with aspirin, which could worsen bleeding. You should also rest, drink plenty of fluids, and see your doctor.

Dengue fever prevention: Immunity boosting foods

• Citrus foods. Citrus foods are rich in vitamin C which helps in building strong immunity.
• Garlic. Garlic adds a strong taste to the food.
• Yogurt. Yogurt is a strong probiotic which stimulates the functioning of the immune system.
• Spinach.
• Almonds.
• Turmeric.
• Ginger.

Up your fluid intake and consume warm water instead of normal water. Caution: The dengue fever can rise rapidly after the onset of the initial symptoms. Thus, it is vital that one seeks medical help as soon as these symptoms are observed.

Don’t leave water in desert cooler when not in use. Don’t store water uncovered or in not properly covered containers/tanks. Don’t store tyres outside in workshops, godowns etc. Don’t give aspirin/brufen to patients with dengue fever.

Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and control mosquitoes inside and outside your home. Each year, an estimated 400 million people are infected with dengue virus.

Treat Mild Symptoms at Home

1. Rest as much as possible.
2. Control fever. Give acetaminophen (also known as paracetamol) to control fever and relieve pain.
3. Prevent dehydration – Dehydration occurs when a person loses too much body fluid from fever, vomiting, or not drinking enough liquids.

When a mosquito bites a person infected with a dengue virus, the virus enters the mosquito. Then, when the infected mosquito bites another person, the virus enters that person’s bloodstream and causes an infection.