By virtue of Proclamation No. 1204 series 1998, signed on 21 April 1998, June is declared as National Dengue Awareness Month. It is a periodic event that strengthens the advocacy of dengue prevention and control which requires collaborative efforts between national and local governments, as well as the corporate sector.

Dengue fever, often known as dengue, is an acute Flavivirus infection spread by day biting Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical areas. It is the world's fastest-spreading vector-borne disease, with 100 countries affected. It is an acute viral infection that primarily affects young children and newborns and is now a year-round sickness.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), there are four serotypes of Dengue virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. The first infection with one of the four serotypes is usually mild or asymptomatic, but a second infection with another serotype might result in severe dengue fever.

Dengue fever has several symptoms:

• Rashes or persistent red spots on the face, extremities, and trunks.
• Pain behind the eyes
• Headaches and body weakness
• High continuous fever lasting 2-7 days
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea/vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Muscle and joint pain

Hence, the DOH advised the public today to practice the 4-S dengue prevention program as follows;

• Seek and Destroy
• Look for mosquito breeding sites, clean them up and keep them dry so mosquitoes cannot lay eggs and breed.
• Seek Early Consultation
• Consult a health professional if you have any signs and symptoms of dengue.
• Self-Protection Measures
• Aside from wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts and daily use of mosquito repellant, doors and windows of your home should have screens so insects can be kept out of the house.
• Support fogging or spraying to prevent an impending outbreak
• Notify your barangay officials when you see possible mosquito breeding grounds to help get rid of it.

Dengue fever has no specific treatment or medication. So, to aid in your recovery and replenishment, here are some dietary recommendations:

• Food rich in protein and iron

A healthy body is better suited to fight off a dengue virus. Protein and iron are nutrients necessary for the prevention of anemia and the formation of platelets. Platelets are a type of blood component that is required for clotting and are frequently altered during a dengue infection. Dengue-fighting foods includes lean meats such as chicken, red meat and fish, liver, lentils, chickpeas, beans, peas, eggs, milk and milk products.

• Food rich in Vitamin C

Also consume Vitamin C-rich foods, such as oranges, pineapple, and kiwis since this vitamin is especially helpful in aiding iron absorption in the intestine and boosts the immune system.

• Drink plenty of water

Symptoms of dengue includes high fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. And patients with mild dehydration who manifest these symptoms should get an oral rehydration therapy. Staying hydrated while having dengue fever is of prime importance. Drink at least 3 liters (12 cups) of water per day. Vegetable juices is also a great source for hydration as vegetables is rich in essential nutrients. 

There are also foods to avoid if you have dengue fever. You must avoid certain meals to keep the development of your treatment under control. Oily and fried foods, coffee, carbonated beverages, spicy foods, and foods heavy in lipids are all foods to avoid. Foods that contain salicylates should be avoided too. These foods have a similar effect to aspirin in that they thin the blood and slow clotting. Examples of these foods are apple, melon, grape, tangerine, lemon, strawberry, raisin, potato, cucumber, tomato, pepper, garlic, onion and ginger. Also, avoid all dark-colored food as they may mimic blood-stained stools or vomits.

If you want to learn more about meals for dengue treatment, you should always visit a registered nutritionist-dietitian or a certified medical practitioner and always keep the mosquitoes out! (PNFP Lizelle Bete)

References:

Proclamation No. 1204, s. 1998 | GOVPH. (1998, April 21). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1998/04/21/proclamation-no-1204-s-1998/

Dengue Prevention and Control Program | Department of Health website. (0000). DOH. https://doh.gov.ph/national-dengue-prevention-and-control-program

DOH REMINDS PUBLIC TO DO THE 4-S AGAINST DENGUE | Department of Health website. (0000). DOH. https://doh.gov.ph/node/16849

What to Eat If You Have Dengue Fever (with a 3-day Diet Plan). (2022, May). Tuasaude. https://www.tuasaude.com/en/foods-that-can-speed-up-recovery-from-dengue/

Diet Chart For Dengue Fever Patients. (2021, October 28). Lybrate. https://www.lybrate.com/topic/diet-for-dengue