Dengue, Typhoid, Influenza Are Now Active in India – Here’s how to fight these infections!

India is experiencing a challenging time with the gradual change in weather. With the increase in the number of common cold, typhoid, flu, malaria, and dengue cases, people did not get sufficient breathing space after countering the ‘deadly’ phase of COVID-19. 

Let’s have a look at the three diseases that are currently gripping various parts of India significantly.

Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection that infects a person through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. This virus causing it is hence called the dengue virus (DENV). It is the same class of viruses causing yellow fever, Zika, and chikungunya.

The usual symptoms of dengue are:

• High fever
• Muscle and joint pains
• Rashes
• Severe pain in the head and the area behind the eyes
• Mild nasal bleeding
• Nausea
• Vomiting 

In many cases, people with dengue show no symptoms. 

People who get infected with the same virus a second time are at significant risk of developing Severe Dengue.

Severe Dengue or Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever develops in the form of severe dengue infection, which could be deadly. The fever continues for 3-7 days, and once it stops, fresh symptoms of the disease start to develop.

• Nasal bleeding
• Formation of red patches or spots on the skin
• Pale skin
• Difficulty in breathing
• Continual vomiting accompanied by blood at times
• Abdominal pain
• Black colored feces
• Drowsiness 

During the first two days of the new symptoms, fluid leakage from the small blood vessels can lead to circulatory system failure. This may further lead to shock and death if the failure is not treated timely.

Not just in India, the dengue cases have also grown drastically across the globe in the past few years.

Unclean conditions and mosquito breeding grounds are the chief reasons for the spread of dengue. Hence, keeping adequate cleanliness and maintaining hygiene are the primary solutions to prevent the spread of this infectious and painful disease. For this, we need to make sure our dwelling places and neighborhood are clean, there is no standing water, and no piling of trash. Another crucial aspect that helps prevent this harmful condition is sanitizing self and disinfecting the surroundings. Therefore, the use of hand hygiene, sanitization, and disinfectants play a significant role in confining the dengue infection.

Typhoid 

While viruses actively play their role, the bacteria are no less in propagating deadly illnesses. Typhoid is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria. The condition is largely prevalent in less developed nations. The spread is basically through ‘bacteria carriers,’ which can be due to contaminated food or water or dirty hands. It is a severe health risk, especially in children. If diagnosed at early stages, the disease can be treated; else it could also be fatal. Symptoms of the same include:

• High fever
• Weakness 
• Headache 
• Stomach and digestion problems, like stomachache, constipation, diarrhea, swelling, etc. 
• Abdominal pain 
• Dry cough
• Weight loss
• Rashes
• Perspiration
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting, confused state of mind, etc. (rare cases)

Like any other infection, the spread of this can be prevented by taking care of your self-hygiene and the cleanliness and disinfection of surrounding areas. It’s good to wash and sanitize hands with a safe and eco-friendly sanitizer frequently. In addition, it would be greatly beneficial to disinfect our homes and adjoining areas with a non-toxic disinfectant. 

Flu

Coming back to our biggest enemies, flu is a contagious viral infection. It infects your respiratory system, i.e., your throat, nose, and lungs. It is called influenza in medical terms. In most cases, flu goes on its own after a few days; however, it could be deadly if the condition gets complicated. Some of its common symptoms include:

• Sore throat
• Coughs
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Stuffy or runny nose 
• Vomiting
• Chills
• Nausea
• Headaches 
• Eye pain 

Whilst flu may happen to anyone, people more prone to getting the same are

• People working in nursing homes or close to patients with flu or other contagious diseases
• Children under the age of 5
• Obese people
• People with chronic conditions
• People with weak immune systems
• Expecting women 
• People above the age of 65

In most situations, the condition gets better in around five days. However, you may feel weakness for a prolonged duration.

Flu is common in the winter season, and you may catch it when someone sneezes or coughs around you. For instance, when someone sneezes, the influenza virus’s droplets travel through the air and infect the person nearby

It is recommended to get a lot of rest if you are suffering from the flu. Remedies like gargling with salt water, drinking a lot of fluids, etc., also help. Besides, keeping yourself hygienic and using sanitizers and disinfectants effective against such viruses assist in the prevention, treatment, and restraining the spread of the condition.

In a nutshell, keeping abreast with the concept of disinfection, sanitization, and hand hygiene can keep you safe and protected from even the most deadly diseases.

Stay disinfected. Stay protected.

Avan Raj Arora