Every rainy season, the incidence of dengue rises due to the presence of more breeding places for mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Dengue, a viral infection transmitted through mosquito bites, if not detected at an early stage can cause great harm to human health, which may lead to death. According to the Department of Health (DOH), dengue cases reached 271,480 from January to August 2019 and over 1,100 died, where almost half of them were children aged 5-9 years old. Northern Mindanao is among the regions with the most cases, with 11,455 cases recorded.

Dengue has no treatment but the symptoms and complications can be managed. Further, dietary management plays an important role in treating dengue fever and avoiding any complications.

Here are some foods to eat and avoid to help manage dengue fever and promote rapid recovery:

What to eat and drink?

• Drink plenty of water or fluid. Drinking plenty of fluids and water is necessary to hydrate the body and to maintain water and electrolytes balance.
• High calorie diet. Energy-dense foods like rice, potato, milk, etc. are necessary to supply adequate caloric need to help regain strength and energy lost due to the infection.
• Iron-rich foods. Liver, meats, legumes, and green leafy vegetables are rich in iron which is an essential mineral to increase blood hemoglobin and the formation of platelets to prevent bleeding and blood loss.
• Vitamin C-rich foods. Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, pineapple, papaya, and green leafy vegetables help in the absorption of iron by the intestine. Also, it has antiviral and antibacterial properties which boost and strengthen the immune system.
• Vitamin K-rich foods. Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting and increases platelet counts which were reduced during dengue fever. Broccoli, sprouts, and green leafy vegetables are good sources of Vitamin K.

What to avoid?

• Dark-colored foods. Foods like chocolate, chocolate drinks and violet or red-colored juices were discouraged for it may cause confusion by altering the color of the vomitus, urine or stool. Discoloration of vomitus, urine or stool caused by internal bleeding signifies worsening of the disease.
• Fatty foods. Dengue fever reduces digestive capacity making it difficult for dengue patients to digest fats.
• Spicy foods. Spicy foods promote acid build-up in the stomach which can irritate the stomach wall and increases risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Caffeinated beverages. During dengue fever, the body needs lots of fluid for hydration. Coffee, tea, energy drinks, among others can lead to dehydration and muscle breakdown.

Dengue is preventable, so do not allow it to enter your home. As cliché as it may sound, but prevention is better than cure. Aside from building strong and resilient immunity, personal hygiene and environmental sanitation are crucial to prevent and mitigate dengue.

Dengue Awareness Month is observed every June by virtue of Proclamation No. 1204 signed by former President Fidel V. Ramos last 21 April 1988. The celebration is spearheaded by the DOH to increase public awareness of the preventive measures against dengue.

The DOH campaigns for the 4S as the primary intervention to prevent and control dengue. The 4S stands for:

• Search and destroy mosquito breeding sites
• Self-protection by wearing long-sleeved shirts
• Seek early advice/consultation at the nearest health center
• Say YES to fogging/spraying

All are encouraged to act now and be cautious and let not another crisis break! Stay dry and deng-get out Ka-Nutrisyon! (NO II Arlie Joy O. Damiles)

References:

Department of Health. Dengue Prevention and Control Program. Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/national-dengue-prevention-and-control-program

Department of Health. DOH Declares National Dengue Epidemic. Retrieved from: https://doh.gov.ph/press-release/DOH-DECLARES-NATIONAL-DENGUE-EPIDEMIC

World Health Organization. 19 May 2021. Dengue and severe dengue. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue#:~:text=Dengue%20is%20a%20mosquito%2Dborne,to%20be%20infected%20four%20times

Chakraborty, S. (2019, 20 August). Dietary guideline for dengue fever treatment. Retried from: https://wellnessmunch.com/dietary-guideline-for-dengue-fever-treatment/

Raj, P.N. (2019, 21 August). Columbia Asia Referral Hospital Yeshwanthpur. Dengue Fever Prevention: What To Eat And What To Avoid. Retrieved from: https://www.columbiaindiahospitals.com/health-article/dengue-fever-prevention-what-to-eat-and-what-to-avoid