The capital has already hit around 150 cases of chikungunya and around 87 cases of Dengue till June, this year. With rains pouring in, this figure is surely expected to increase even further as the mosquito causing this virus populates during rainy season and the period following it (July to October in India).
Hence, preparing ourselves to fight this virus is the need of the hour!
At first instance, let’s know certain facts about these viruses and then know how one can prevent its spread. Also, if somebody gets trapped by this virus, what can be done to manage the case well without any panic!

BASIC FACTS

• 1. Both viral infections are spread by Aedes mosquito but caused by different viruses.
• 2. The mosquito is active during the day.
• 3. Both carry similar symptoms like high fever, joint pain, headache/eye ache, rashes and lethargy. A person can be infected with both diseases at the same time Onset of symptoms usually starts three to seven days after the mosquito bite and the virus lasts about 5-7 days before the patient recovers.
• 4. Chikungunya is rarely fatal, but dengue can be. Dengue in rare case can progress to more lethal variations called ‘dengue haemorrhagic fever’ or ‘dengue shock syndrome’, which can be fatal.
• 5. Children are more susceptible to dengue fever. Those with hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, as well as patients over 65, are more vulnerable to chikungunya virus.
• 6. Chikungunya shares some clinical signs with dengue and zika, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where they are common.

Primary prevention of dengue is mosquito control. The proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for chikungunya too. So,

• 1. Keep your surroundings clean and do not let the mosquito breed. They are generally known to breed in artificial accumulation of fresh water, broken bottles, water-filled stagnant flower pots, coconut shells, tree holes etc. during & immediately after the rainy season.
• 2. Wear long sleeves to protect your skin from bites and using insect repellent.
• 3. Call a medical professional if you develop any symptoms consistent with Dengue or Chikungunya.

BASIC FACTS

The diagnosis of dengue is usually made clinically but be watchful about symptoms like;



• 1. High fever,
• 2. Joint pain,
• 3. Headache/eye ache,
• 4. Rashes and
• 5. Lethargy.

In a small proportion of cases the disease develops into the life-threatening dengue hemorrhagic fever, resulting in bleeding, low levels of blood platelets and plasma leakage, or into dengue shock syndrome, where dangerously low blood pressure occurs.

MANAGING THE VIRUS

There is no treatment or cure for either of them. The best thing patients can do is rest, drink fluids and take pain-relieving and fever-reducing medicine after consulting your doctor. Avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory medications because they increase the risk of hemorrhage. People generally do self medication in such fever conditions, which should be “STRICTLY” avoided.

Homoeopathy has a long record of success in the treatment of these epidemic conditions. Homeopathic medicines can help you fight these viruses both as preventive measure and in the unfortunate case of infection. These have powerful immune boosting properties and prophylactic action to stop body’s cells from being infected by the dengue virus. By activating the macrophages (WBC) and modulating TNF (tumour necrosis factor-alpha) levels in the body, they play an important role in decreasing the body’s viral in both adults and children without any side effects. In Homoeopathy, we have more than 20 medicines which can be taken based on different symptoms of fever in different stages. I would suggest you to please consult your homeopathic physician for appropriate selection.

For patients with very low platelet counts (generally below 20,000/cumm), platelet transfusion is recommended. In such cases, homoeopathic medicines are to be used as an adjuvant to standard care.

The disease does not usually kill. Most people will feel better within a week, though some get debilitating joint pain. So, let’s not panic and fight this virus with alertness.