(Image source from: Beat Dengue!})

With thousands of cases of dengue being reported across the country, it's time you armed up yourself against the megabite of  this mosquito-borne infection!

Thought not contagious, this infectious tropical disease is often marked by flu-like signs and symptoms including acute body ache, fever, joint pain and more. If severe, then the infection could lead to a steep drop in the number of platelets and even prove fatal at times. However, if diagnosed in time, it can be effectively treated. Here is how you can safeguard yourself and your loved ones against dengue.

Keep your surroundings cleam
The Ades mosquito — carrier of the dengue virus — breeds in clean, fresh water and bites humans during the day and breeds in domestic areas. Just keep your surroundings clean and ensure that water don't stagnate in and around your home.

Don't self medicate
Don't panic when down with dengue. Watch out for its symptoms — fever, chills, persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, nasal bleeding, headache behind the eyes, skin rashes and severe body ache — and reach out for the best medical help. Never self-medicate.

Shun antibiotics
Dengue is caused by a virus, and so it can't be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics should not be administered unless there is an underlying reason or a secondary damage, which is also being treated." Additionally, analgesics like Aspirin and Brufen, which you may be tempted to take to ease the symptoms, leave the body prone to internal bleeding.  So it's better to reach out for a medical help ASAP.

Stay hydrated
Guzzle plenty of liquids (water, fresh fruit juices and nimbu pani) and rest well if you want to fight dengue.

AW: Suchorita Dutta Choudhury