Dengue fever is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes affecting millions in the world each year, especially in tropical and subtropical countries. India too witnesses a sudden rise in dengue
cases during the monsoon season when the subject becomes a matter of utmost public concern and sometimes panic. However, most of what is believed to be true about this illness is false,
which leads ultimately to a delay in diagnosis and avoidance in treatment. Let’s jot down the Common Myths and Facts about Dengue and understand the reality about the disease specially for children as well as adults.
Myth 1: Dengue will spread only in the monsoon.
Reality: Monsoon is an ideal time in the creation of breeding sites for mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti; the dengue mosquito. However, dengue can be seen throughout the year
sporadically, as the mosquito tends to breed in the stagnant water collections.
Myth 2: Dengue is common in children only.
Reality: No dengue infection is age-specific; both children and adults may get it. Adults, in reality, are labeled at higher risk due to poor immunity, chronic illness, or repeated infections,
which can complicate the disease further. The virus knows no age; young and old are at risk if preventive measures are not taken beforehand.
Myth 3: A person is safe with Dengue as it is not fatal.
Reality: While most of the dengue infections are self-limiting, dengue fever has the potential to cause life-threatening complications once not timely diagnosed and managed. Severe forms,
namely dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, involve internal bleeding and organ damage risks followed by death in some cases.
Myth 4: You already contracted it once. Hence you are safe.
Reality: There are four different serotypes of dengue: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. A second-time infection, due to a different serotype of the virus is more severe. This happens
through the immune activation process referred to as antibody-dependent enhancement. Once a person has suffered and recovered from dengue, it becomes even more crucial for both
youngsters and grown-ups to take effective preventive measures.
Myth 5: Papaya leaf juice is the cure of dengue.
Reality: There isn’t any scientific evidence supporting papaya juice as a pharmacological cure for dengue. Only an infection specialist or dengue fever specialist can give proper care. It is
worth noting that solely relying on home remedies can complicate the infection.
Myth 6: Platelet Count on the drop implies worsening of the infection.
Reality: Dehydration, increasing hematocrit levels, and organ dysfunction are the most worrisome issues while assessing a patient of dengue. Decrease in the platelet count is not of any major significance unless there is bleeding or there is high risk of bleeding in rare cases. Guidelines do not suggest routine platelet transfusion in dengue patients.
Myth 7: Antibiotics are essential in managing dengue.
Reality: Dengue fever is a viral infection (caused by Dengue Virus), and antibiotics do not have any impact on viruses. Using an antibiotic is not required. Unnecessary use of antibiotics would
disturb the health of the gut and also increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Myth 8: Kiwi and other green fruits increase the platelet count
Reality: Platelet count in dengue decrease because of peripheral destruction and sometimes due to bone marrow suppression, which recovers fast. No specific food has been found to
increase the platelet counts in patients with dengue.
The best medicine to cure this disease is awareness and early intervention. Myths and wrong information can cause delay in treatment and increase risk for complicated outcomes. Always
consult completely experienced and skilled dengue fever specialist in India if you identify symptoms in you or your loved ones. Dengue can turn a milder form into a life-threatening
condition very quickly, so one should take it seriously.
Spread the right information, keep alert and save our little ones and grown-ups from this deadly illness.
Got any queries about Dengue fever? Feel free to book the appointment by calling:09664630466
