First issues first: What the heck is dengue (DENG-gey) fever, and the way do you get it?
The illness, which generally is not deadly, is generally present in tropical and sub-tropical areas. That is smart when you think about that it is unfold by mosquitoes. Relatively than spreading from individual to individual, the illness makes its method round when a pesky mosquito bites a service of one of many 4 dengue viruses, then chomps on a wholesome individual. The overwhelming majority of circumstances reported within the continental United States have been amongst vacationers or immigrants.
Regardless of being a relative newcomer — dengue fever has been a major problem solely for the reason that Fifties — about 400 million individuals are contaminated every year [source: CDC].
Some circumstances are so delicate that sufferers do not expertise any signs. Nevertheless, for those who do have signs, they normally floor 4 to 10 days after a chunk from an contaminated mosquito. Look out for the next points [source: CDC]:
- Excessive fever (as much as 106°F)
- Muscle and joint ache
- Rash
- Nausea
- Extreme ache behind the eyes
- Low blood platelet rely (thrombocytopenia)
Should you develop any of those signs and have just lately visited a area the place dengue fever is understood to happen, go to a physician as quickly as doable. Should you catch dengue fever greater than as soon as (which you’ll be able to as a result of, bear in mind, there are 4 varieties of dengue viruses lurking on the market), every subsequent an infection can improve your probabilities of creating dengue hemorrhagic fever, a separate and extra extreme model of the illness that may trigger critical bleeding, shock and presumably demise.
As of this writing, there isn’t any vaccine or remedy for dengue fever, so the easiest way to cease it’s by way of prevention. Mosquito nets, repellent and the discount of mosquito breeding grounds are probably the most environment friendly methods to chop down on dengue fever outbreaks.
As soon as somebody contracts dengue fever, there are just a few methods for medical professionals to deal with it [source: CDC]:
- Ache relievers containing solely acetaminophen (ibuprofen and aspirin can improve bleeding)
- Relaxation
- Elevated fluid consumption
- Avoidance of mosquitoes, particularly whereas feverish
Whereas most individuals get better in a few week, extra critical signs might end in hospitalization.
Nevertheless, there’s been some fascinating discuss just lately concerning the remedy and prevention of dengue fever. We’re not speaking miracle medicine, both. Many individuals are claiming you possibly can stop and deal with dengue fever with one thing simple to search out that naturally happens within the meals you eat or dietary supplements you’re taking: vitamin C.
May it’s that simple? Is there official science behind this declare?
Scientists vs. Naturopaths
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First, we have to perceive how vitamin C works within the immune system.
Often known as ascorbic acid, vitamin C has a number of roles within the physique. It assists within the restore, progress and growth of physique tissues. It additionally helps take in iron, heal wounds, and keep the well being of your bones, cartilage and enamel. And vitamin C feeds the immune system by boosting antibody and white blood cell manufacturing.
Vitamin C additionally will increase ranges of interferon [source: Avery]. Interferon is a protein our cells create to defend towards — or, because the identify suggests, intrude with — viruses and illness. It inhibits additional manufacturing of a virus or international substance and might cease an an infection from progressing. Research have proven that injecting interferon instantly into cells can certainly defend towards the dengue virus by stopping it in its tracks [source: Diamond and Harris].
For the previous few years, homeopaths, or alternative-medicine practitioners, have been speaking a few hyperlink between vitamin C and curing dengue fever.
In concept, it could appear that as a result of vitamin C will increase interferon, and interferon can inhibit dengue fever’s progress, it may remedy the illness. Nevertheless, it is necessary to do not forget that, to this point, that is only a concept.
Some imagine that vitamin C helps elevate platelet counts, which decline throughout a bout with dengue fever. Homeopaths advise taking dietary supplements along with consuming vitamin C- and antioxidant-heavy meals reminiscent of acai berries, oranges, blueberries and tomatoes. Nevertheless, there are not any research validated by a number of sources to assist this concept, and no research exist proving that any particular meals can elevate platelet counts.
Nonetheless, some naturopaths advise taking 500 milligrams of vitamin C six instances a day for remedy and prevention and to reinforce manufacturing of interferon [source: Carahealth]. A phrase of warning: This dosage equals 3,000 mg of vitamin C a day, which is 1,000 mg above the higher advisable each day restrict. In keeping with the Mayo Clinic, the advisable each day quantity (RDA) of vitamin C for adults is 65 to 90 mg a day, and most of the people can get that by way of a nutritious diet.
You’ll be able to’t overdose on vitamin C as a result of any extra is expelled by way of your urine. Nevertheless, you possibly can undergo uncomfortable side effects, together with:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Stomach bloating
- Headache
- Kidney crystals and/or stones
A lot of the claims of vitamin C being a "miracle remedy" for something from the flu to viruses to most cancers come from the work of Linus Pauling [source: Offit]. Pauling was a famous chemist who gained the Nobel Prize in 1954 for his revolutionary work on chemical bonds. He printed a e-book in 1971 referred to as "Vitamin C and the Widespread Chilly," a best-seller that is nonetheless quoted to today regardless of research which have proven potential risks in taking dietary supplements.
Nevertheless, dozens of scientific and medical research have proven no proof that vitamin C cures any of those — and that they will even be dangerous [source: Offit]. Additional, the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration, American Medical Affiliation, Division of Well being and Human Providers, and lots of different teams don’t suggest taking vitamin C for the prevention and remedy of colds — or dengue fever, for that matter.
So, can vitamin C stop dengue fever? Science says no. Naturopaths say sure.
