Curing dengue, chikungunya

Delhi BJP president Satish Upadhyay in New Delhi on Tuesday distributes ayurvedic medicines to prevent chikangunia and dengue. (Photo: Biplab Banerjee)

Both chikungunya and dengue are viral diseases that are transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. The symptoms for both diseases are similar but there are some key differences that set them apart, which, if not detected and treated on time, may prove fatal.

Symptoms Dengue: It appear 3 to 14 days after the mosquito bite and not immediately. A flu-like illness that affects infants, young children and adults alike, dengue patient suffer from fever for the initial three-four days, followed by body pain. It can cause abdominal pain, bleeding, and also affect the circulatory system.

Chikungunya: The prominent symptoms include excessive body pain or myalgia, swelling in the joints and rashes across the body. The body pain is more severe than in dengue.

Diet tips for Dengue, Chikungunya More Fluid Intake: Maximum intake of fluid is the first thing to include in the diet for dengue patients. It’s advisable to include nutrient rich fluids apart from liquids such as ORS, sugar cane juice, tender coconut water, lime juice, fresh orange juice, and various fruit juices.

Increase Vitamin C Intake: Vitamin C can aid in improving cellular immunity and reventing dengue hemorrhagic fever.

No Spicy and Oily Food: Spicy, oily and processed foods are a big no for patients recovering from dengue fever. Not only are they difficult to digest, they also aggravate the symptoms of fever. Instead, snack on dry fruits like raisins and dates. Caffeine and alcohol, known for their diuretic properties, are also best avoided to prevent dehydration.

Diet Rich in Protein: Low fat curd, egg whites, cottage cheese, chicken, and fish are highly recommended foods for patients recovering from dengue and chikungunya.

Chikungunya virus has self-emitting life with maximum life of seven days and its effect in once body ends in natural course. There is no medicine or vaccination for either prevention or cure. Prevention from mosquito bites is the best and only the option to avoid chikungunya. Usually patient gets life-long immunity from chikungunya infection and hence re-infection is very rare. — Dr Sanjay K. Rai, Professor at AIIMS

There is no vaccine or medicine to prevent chikungunya. The safest way to prevent infection is to prevent mosquito bites and its spread. Treatment usually is for the symptoms and include taking sufficient rest, more fluid and medicines to relieve pain (paracetamol for example). Aspirin should be avoided. Tramadol is given for vomiting and nausea. — Dr Dr R.K. Singal, BLK Super-Speciality

Chikungunya is a viral infection and there is no medicine for it. Doctors are prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs to patients suffering from chikungunya. If ayurveda or homeopathy have treatment for chikungunya they should come up with evidence. But whatever ayurveda or homeopathy medicine prescribed should be by a qualified professional — Dr K.K. Aggarwal, National president (elect), IMA