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The dengue virus attacks your immune system and leaves you at your most vulnerable.
Getting a secondary infection while recovering from dengue can spell bad news.
Dengue is a vector borne disease caused by a family of viruses that are transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. There are four strains of the dengue virus.
Once infected, you will be immune to the particular strain that affected you, but can still get dengue from any of the other three. A dengue infection the second time can be particularly dangerous.
While recovering from dengue, it is important to avoid a secondary infection and keep good health.
There are several ways of achieving it, which include consumption of specific food items, exercise (depending on individual cases) and avoiding undue stress on the body.
Turns out, your mom has been right all along. Common herbs easily found in Indian kitchens like ginger, cinnamon, and basil are great immunity boosters. Other such food items include black pepper, garlic and cardamom.
Jaggery (gudh), broccoli and foods rich in Vitamin C and E can also be consumed to boost immunity.
The most important precaution for dengue care is to make sure that the patient drinks plenty of fluids and is kept hydrated at all times. Similar advice is given to the patient during the recovery. Water helps in flushing out the remnants of the infection from the body while also aiding smooth blood-flow.
It’s important to ensure adequate exercise for limbs as the body begins to recover. It will not only aid recovery, but also keep other potential diseases at bay. Mild walking for short duration can be incorporated in daily routine.
However, stress should be laid on not straining the body. To avoid this, make sure to speak with your doctor before taking up any physical activity.
The illness which might follow dengue can be treated and avoided.
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Published: 17 Nov 2017,05:41 PM IST