Dengue Fever do’s and dont’s

Image by Nuriyah Nuyu from Pixabay

Image by Nuriyah Nuyu from Pixabay

Do’s:

1.    Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

2.    Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of fluids, even if you're in bed. Hydration is crucial.

3.    Take Fever Medicine: Use simple fever medicine like paracetamol or acetaminophen.

4.    Consult a Doctor: Seek medical help if you experience bleeding or bruising (from gums, nose, urine, or stool).

5.    Prevent Mosquito Bites: Protect yourself to avoid infecting others. Use mosquito repellent, wear long-sleeved clothing, and use mosquito nets while sleeping.

6.    Isolate Yourself: Isolate and let your family monitor you closely.

7.    Eliminate Stagnant Water: Regularly check and remove stagnant water in your surroundings to prevent Aedes mosquito breeding.

8.    Drain Excess Water: Ensure plant pot plates don't accumulate excess water.

9.    Secure Windows and Doors: Use wire mesh on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out.

10. Community Awareness: Healthy individuals should also prevent mosquito bites in Dengue-prone areas.

Dont’s:

1.    Avoid Self-Treatment: Do not self-medicate or consult unqualified individuals.

2.    Medication Caution: Avoid Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and Naproxen sodium, as they may increase bleeding risk.

3.    Limit Physical Activity: Avoid strenuous physical activities.

4.    Oral Care: If you have bleeding gums, use a mouthwash instead of brushing your teeth.

5.    Prevent Breeding Sites: Ensure materials outside your house don't collect water during the rainy season.

6.    Mosquito Timing: Avoid sitting outside during early mornings and late evenings when Dengue-causing mosquitoes are active.

7.    Outbreak Areas: Refrain from visiting areas with Dengue outbreaks.

8.    Mosquito Protection: When visiting a Dengue patient, take measures to avoid mosquito bites.

9.    Steroids: Do not use steroids without a prescription; they are not recommended for uncomplicated cases.

10. Platelet Transfusion Caution: Avoid unnecessary platelet transfusions. Prophylactic platelet transfusion is not recommended.

11. Fogging: Don't rely solely on fogging, as it has side effects and doesn't eliminate mosquito eggs and larvae.

12. Dengue RDT: Be cautious with Dengue Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDT); they can produce false positives. Confirm positive cases in sentinel site hospitals (Naga Hospital Kohima and Dimapur District Hospital). GOI & ICMR do not recommend the use of RDT for Dengue diagnosis.

Issued in the interest of public health by NCVBDC
Directorate of Health &Family Welfare Kohima: Nagaland