Dengue- a much dreaded viral disease transmitted from the infected bite of the Aedes Aegypti Mosquito is quite rampant these days. Symptoms generally show up 5-7 days of being bitten. Dengue is very common after the rainy season and spreads rapidly through mosquito bites. The infected person soon develops flu-like symptoms-headache, body ache, rash, low platelet count, etc.

Let's have a look at how we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from Dengue-

• Use a mosquito repellent cream or lotion, nowadays patches are also now easily available at your nearby chemist.

• The Aedes mosquito prefers to breed in clean, stagnant water in the homes, so eliminate any possible breeding locations (eg. buckets, watering cans, coolers). 

• Use mosquito netting around the house.

• When in an area with mosquitoes, wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks, exposing as little skin as possible.

Nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar says that one of the major reasons for the increased cases of dengue (apart from mosquitoes) is our weakened immunity system.

Since this is that time of the year again, here are some tips for Dengue prevention and recovery shared by her-

1.Having 1 tsp of Gulkand first thing in the morning can prevent acidity, nausea, and weakness - which are usually the first sign of dengue fever. 

2. Create a herbal concoction using milk, water, turmeric, saffron, and nutmeg. You can take 1 glass of milk and water each, add a pinch of turmeric and 2-3 strands of kesar/saffron. Add a tinge of nutmeg and boil this mixture. Reduce it to half. You can add some jaggery or honey to sweeten the drink. This drink can be used as part of dengue fever treatment. It can give a boost to your immunity, reduce inflammation in the body and prevents loss of protein. 

3. People with dengue fever should make sure that they drink a lot of water throughout the day. This helps in restoring urine volume. Drink sufficient water to ensure that the colour of urine is clear.  

 4. Dengue fever causes dehydration, loss of electrolytes, and reduces appetite. Drink rice soup and add either black salt or rock salt, a pinch of hing or asafoetida and ghee. It can give a boost to your immunity and also help you recover from dengue. 

 5. Rujuta suggests that staying Supta baddha konasana (with a support for the back and blanket under your head) can offer relief from backache and body pains - common dengue fever symptoms.

Health is the most important thing for all of us and all other things come after it. To avoid deadly infections like dengue, follow these measures regularly and make sure that your immunity is so strong that no disease is able to break your natural protective armor.