Battling Dengue Outbreaks in India: Insights from Dr. Seema Dhir
Dengue continues to wreak havoc across India; Here’s what doctors say
As the calendar rolls into autumn, India faces a formidable adversary - dengue fever. The mosquito-borne illness has surged across the nation, prompting concern among healthcare professionals and authorities. Dr. Seema Dhir, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, sheds light on the current dengue outbreak, its symptoms, treatment, and essential precautions.
Understanding the Dengue Outbreak
Dengue fever is no stranger to India, where it follows seasonal patterns and periodic intense cycles. Dengue outbreaks occur more intensely every few years due to various factors. After a significant outbreak, temporary community immunity can reduce cases. However, as new non-immune individuals enter the population, susceptibility increases. Additionally, shifts in the predominant circulating serotype of the dengue virus and environmental changes affecting mosquito breeding contribute to these cyclical outbreaks.
Climate change indirectly affects the ecosystem, leading to spikes in dengue cases. To manage these recurring waves effectively, public health measures and awareness campaigns are critical. These measures encompass personal actions such as using mosquito repellents, public efforts to prevent waterlogging, global carbon emissions reduction, and intensified dengue vaccine development.
Dengue Symptoms and Care
Dr. Seema Dhir emphasizes the importance of recognizing dengue symptoms and taking prompt action. Typical symptoms include hectic fever, body aches, and vomiting. Complications such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), rash, bleeding, hepatitis, and shock may also occur. She advises patients to avoid mosquito bites by wearing fully covered clothes and taking steps to prevent mosquito breeding. In case of fever, individuals are encouraged to avoid certain medications like Combiflam or aspirin, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention on the second or third day of illness.
Dr. Dhir cautions, "A word of caution - other causes of fever like typhoid, influenza, chikungunya, and scrub typhus are also circulating, so please consult your doctor."
Dengue Hepatitis: An Emerging Concern
Apart from the typical dengue symptoms, Dr. Dhir also notes the emergence of dengue hepatitis. This variation of dengue involves liver inflammation and can lead to severe complications. Early detection and appropriate medical care are essential in managing dengue hepatitis.
FAQs: Dengue Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
Q1: What are the common symptoms of dengue fever?
A1: Common symptoms include fever, body aches, vomiting, rash, and in severe cases, bleeding, low platelet count, hepatitis, and shock.
Q2: How is dengue treated?
A2: Treatment primarily focuses on managing symptoms. Patients are advised to rest, stay hydrated, and take acetaminophen or paracetamol (Tylenol) for fever. Avoid medications like ibuprofen or aspirin. Severe cases require hospitalization and close monitoring.
Q3: What precautions can individuals take to prevent dengue?
A3: To prevent dengue, individuals should use mosquito repellents, wear protective clothing, and eliminate mosquito breeding sites. It's crucial to contribute to mosquito control efforts in your area.
Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram: Your Partner in Health
In these challenging times, Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, stands as a beacon of healthcare excellence. Dr. Seema Dhir, a renowned expert in
Internal Medicine, is at the forefront of the battle against dengue and other infectious diseases. Her commitment to patient care and extensive experience make Artemis Hospitals the ideal destination for comprehensive healthcare services.
If you or a loved one is experiencing fever, body aches, or any symptoms that may be associated with dengue or other illnesses, do not hesitate to seek medical advice. Contact Artemis Hospitals, Gurugram, and benefit from the expertise of Dr. Seema Dhir and our dedicated medical team. Your health and well-being are our top priorities.
In conclusion, while India grapples with the current dengue outbreak, awareness, early detection, and proper medical care remain our best weapons against this relentless adversary. Stay informed, stay safe, and remember that Artemis Hospitals is here to support your health journey every step of the way.