Brilio.net - Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is a disease caused by the dengue virus which is transmitted through infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. DHF is classified as a serious disease because it can be fatal if not treated seriously. DHF is a more severe form of dengue and can cause severe symptoms and even death.
Reporting from brilio.net from kemkes.go.id, it was recorded that in 2024 until the 17th week there were 88,593 cases of dengue fever and 621 dengue deaths. Dengue/DHF cases were reported from 456 districts/cities from 34 provinces. Deaths due to dengue occurred in 174 districts/cities in 28 provinces.
Therefore, treatment of dengue fever must be taken seriously by medical treatment. However, apart from medicines, you can consume superfoods which can help naturally fight dengue fever (DHF).
6 Superfoods to fight dengue fever (DHF)
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Superfoods is a term used to describe foods that are rich in certain nutrients and are believed to have extraordinary health benefits. These foods are renowned for their high nutritional content, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and other bioactive compounds that are believed to provide protection against various diseases and improve overall health.
General criteria for foods categorized as superfoods include high levels of nutritional content, being rich in antioxidants, having proven health benefits, and being easy to process and incorporate into the daily diet.
Superfoods can also be a natural ingredient for preventing dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). The 6 superfoods are as follows.
1. Blueberries
Blueberries are a fruit that is suitable for consumption to prevent dengue fever. Blueberries contain many ingredients such as flavonoids and anthocyanins, as well as vitamins C and K. The benefits of blueberries are as antioxidants so they can help fight free radicals and inflammation and increase the body's immunity.
2. Lime
Lime is the next option to prevent dengue fever. Limes are rich in vitamin C, fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds so they are useful for improving the immune system and have anti-inflammatory effects which can help relieve dengue fever symptoms.
3. Papaya
Papaya is rich in vitamins C, A, E, and the enzyme papain which has anti-inflammatory properties. Papaya is very good to consume to prevent dengue fever because it can help reduce inflammation, improve the immune system, and speed up the recovery process.
4. Garlic
Apart from being a kitchen spice, garlic apparently has other benefits, namely fighting dengue virus infection. Garlic's nutritional content includes the compound allicin, which has antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
5. Broccoli
Broccoli contains lots of vitamins C, K, and sulforaphane compounds which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties so they can help improve the immune system, fight inflammation, and speed up the recovery process.
6. Green tea
Green tea can also naturally prevent dengue fever. The antioxidant content of polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), makes green tea rich in antioxidants and fights free radicals, relieves inflammation and improves the immune system.
Causes and symptoms of dengue fever (DHF)
Dengue fever often affects your health and the environment around you. Did you know, the main cause of dengue fever is infection with four serotypes of the dengue virus. This virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. These mosquitoes generally breed in warm and humid areas, especially in tropical and subtropical regions.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) can cause various symptoms that vary in severity and type. These symptoms often appear within a few days after being infected with the dengue virus and can develop gradually. The symptoms of dengue fever that can be diagnosed early are as follows:
1. High fever.
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Sudden high fever is a typical characteristic of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF). The characteristic of the fever caused by dengue fever is that the heat generated is very high, reaching 40 degrees Celsius and even higher. The duration of fever due to dengue fever ranges from 2-7 days.
2. Muscle and joint pain
Pain in the muscles is a common symptom of dengue fever. The characteristics of this pain can be felt in various parts of the body, such as the back, arms, legs and joints. The duration of the pain can last for days, disrupting daily activities.
3. Headache
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Headache is also a symptom that often appears within a few days after fever. Usually pain behind the eyes is characteristic of dengue fever. The duration of the headache can last for days.
4. Skin rash
The skin rash appears several days after the fever hits the dengue sufferer. This rash can consist of small red spots spread all over the body or certain areas. The duration of the rash usually lasts 2-5 days and then goes away on its own.
5. Abdominal pain
Abdominal pain also often occurs in dengue sufferers. This pain can be felt in the lower abdominal area or spread throughout the stomach. The duration of abdominal pain caused by dengue fever can last for days and is accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
6. Nausea and vomiting
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Nausea and vomiting usually occur in the acute phase of the disease. Sufferers will feel a prolonged sensation of nausea and sometimes accompanied by vomiting. The duration of nausea and vomiting can last several days and can cause dehydration if not treated properly.
7. Bleeding
Bleeding from the nose or gums can occur in more severe cases. This bleeding can occur spontaneously or when brushing your teeth or washing your face. The duration of bleeding is usually sporadic and may not occur in all cases.