Why dengue is sending more adults to the ICU
Dengue, which is transmitted by four different strains of virus (DEN-1 to DEN-4) by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, does not provide lifelong immunity. Only immunity against that particular type is developed after recovery from one strain. Re-infection with a different strain raises the stakes for severe dengue through an immune process called antibody-dependent enhancement. With more Indians having been exposed during childhood, re-infections later in adulthood are on the rise—and riskier.Rising infectionsA number of reasons account for the increase in ICU admissions in adults.Secondary infections: Most adults were infected with dengue in their younger years. When they are exposed to a new strain now, their immune system can cause speedy leakage of fluid, bleeding and organ impairment.Delayed diagnosis: Adults tend to brush aside initial dengue symptoms as flu, which is seasonal. By the time they reach the hospital, complications such as shock or severe dehydration could have already developed.Underlying health conditions: Lifestyle illnesses, including diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, chronic kidney or liver disease, have the potential to aggravate dengue conditions and require ICU treatment.Urban spread and virulent strains: Uncontrolled urban mosquito breeding and the co-circulation of several strains are escalating infection severity across all age groups.The ICU realityICU physicians say serious adult dengue infection typically includes multi-organ failure, continued bleeding or critically low platelet levels. These patients might need advanced life support, such as ventilators and dialysis. Mortality risk increases dramatically if one waits more than the critical period (4-6 says of illness) for treatment.Prevention still the best medicineUnlike with some viral diseases, dengue does not have an antiviral treatment. The best line of defence still is avoiding mosquito bites and destroying breeding grounds. Specialists recommend applying mosquito repellents and full-sleeve clothing, particularly in the morning and evening hours; removing any stagnant water from coolers, plant trays or containers; immediate medical attention if high fever, severe headache, abdominal cramps, vomiting or unexplained bleeding surfaces. The profile of the disease is changing. Health campaigns must shift away from child-centric messaging and reach out to adults and their vulnerability.Subscribe to India Today Magazine- EndsTrending Reel
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
28 minutes ago
- India.com
BP Norms Revised: Why Less Than 120/80 mm Hg Is Now The New ‘Normal' For Everyone
New Delhi: The American Heart Association (AHA) has rewritten the rulebook on high blood pressure. The update comes as research highlights hypertension as the most common and preventable contributor to heart attacks, strokes, dementia, chronic kidney disease and early death. 'For the first time, guidelines are firm about addressing high BP from the very beginning. They stress prevention, thorough testing, lifestyle management and early use of medication if necessary,' says Dr Balbir Singh, chairman of cardiac sciences at Max Healthcare. He points out that Indians have a higher genetic predisposition to heart disease, making these changes especially important. 'The guidelines have key takeaways for early prevention, particularly for populations like ours,' he adds. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Blood pressure readings are expressed in millimetres of mercury (mm Hg) and consist of two numbers: systolic (pressure when the heart pumps) and diastolic (pressure when the heart rests). Previously, 130/90 mm Hg was considered the threshold for concern. Now, the AHA defines normal blood pressure as less than 120/80 mm Hg. 'Your ideal BP should now be around 115-119/70-79 mm Hg,' Dr Singh explains. The new framework also includes elevated BP at 120-129/<80 mm Hg, stage 1 hypertension at 130-139/80-89 mm Hg and stage 2 hypertension at ≥140/90 mm Hg. The revision is motivated by brain health and reducing pregnancy-related complications. 'High BP can harm tiny blood vessels in the brain, affecting cognition,' he says. When Medication Is Needed Lifestyle changes remain the first line of defense. 'Stage 1 hypertension, or 130-139 mm Hg, should be managed with diet, exercise and stress control. Medication is introduced if readings persist or diastolic rises to 80-90 mm Hg. A single drug is advised,' he says. For stage 2 hypertension above 140/90 mm Hg, treatment begins with two medications. 'Using drugs that act through different mechanisms works better than a single high-dose medication,' he explains. Recommended Tests The guidelines now emphasise thorough testing to uncover hidden causes. Liver and kidney function tests, sodium-potassium balance, uric acid and blood sugar profiles are standard. New mandatory tests for stage 2 hypertension include urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio and aldosterone-to-renin ratio. 'These tests help detect kidney damage and hormone-driven high blood pressure, especially for patients with sleep apnea, diabetes, pregnancy complications or pre-existing kidney issues,' Dr Singh says. Potassium intake has also gained prominence. 'Potassium-rich salt substitutes or dietary sources can help control BP, except in patients with kidney disease,' he adds. Prevention And Lifestyle The AHA reiterates tried-and-true measures. Limit sodium to 2,300 mg per day, ideally 1,500 mg. Quit smoking, moderate alcohol and manage stress through yoga, meditation or breathing exercises. Aim to reduce body weight by at least five per cent and stay active for 75-150 minutes weekly through aerobic or resistance exercises. The DASH eating plan remains a cornerstone: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, lean meats, poultry and fish, with low fat content. Regular home BP monitoring complements these efforts. 'Prevention is always better than treatment. These guidelines make it clear that early intervention and healthy lifestyle habits can dramatically lower risks and protect your heart, brain and kidneys,' Dr Singh concludes.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
Centre for Sight and Milind Soman Urge India to Prioritize Eye Health on World Senior Citizen's Day
On World Senior Citizen's Day, Centre for Sight , India's leading network of super-specialty eye hospitals, is calling attention to the urgent need for timely intervention in age-related eye diseases . With over 140 million Indians above the age of 60, nearly one in three faces visual impairment, a challenge that threatens both independence and quality of life. Globally, 80 percent of blindness is considered avoidable. Yet myths and delayed care continue to cost seniors their sight. Cataract, the leading cause of blindness in India, can now be corrected through advanced bladeless, robotic laser surgery performed as a same-day procedure. Glaucoma, often known as the 'silent thief of sight,' advances without early symptoms, while diabetic retinopathy and retinal diseases are also on the rise. To raise awareness, Centre for Sight has partnered with fitness icon Milind Soman, who embodies active ageing and holistic wellness. The campaign reminds families that overall health is incomplete without regular eye check-ups. 'Eye health defines dignity, confidence, and independence in old age,' said Dr. Mahipal S. Sachdev, Chairman & Medical Director, Centre for Sight Group of Eye Hospitals. 'No one should accept poor vision as an inevitable part of ageing, because with today's technology and expertise, they don't have to.' Femto-second robotic laser cataract surgery now offers patients greater safety, speed, and precision. Combined with advanced intraocular lenses (IOLs), many seniors are able to regain clear vision and reduce dependence on glasses, enhancing their ability to lead active lives. Centre for Sight emphasizes that responsibility for elder care extends beyond medicines and nutrition. Regular eye check-ups can prevent blindness and preserve independence. Early signs such as blurred vision, dull colors, halos at night, or difficulty reading should never be ignored. Watch the campaign film here: Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and ET Healthworld hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content.
Hindustan Times
9 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
GI cancer surgeon reveals 4 habits to avoid and suggests 3 dietary choices to balance your gut microbiome
Gut health is one of the most talked-about topics in wellness discourse because of its close connection with other aspects of health, like mental well-being and immunity, through the gut-brain and gut-immunity axes. But you cannot talk about gut health without spotlighting the microbiome. At the very root of gut health is the gut microbiome. All the major functions of the gut, from digestion to nutrient absorption, are supported by the complex community of bacteria and other microbes in the gut. But this efficiency depends on maintaining a balance, and what you eat plays a vital role in keeping your gut microbiome healthy. Add probiotics like raita to your diet.(Shutterstock) ALSO READ: Hepatologist explains how gut influences memory, mood and mental wellbeing; unpacks why gut may be the 'second brain' Dr Hemant Jain, Consultant Laparoscopic and GI Cancer Surgeon, Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, shared with HT Lifestyle that traditional Indian foods help to support gut microbiome. He explained, 'The gut microbiome, or group of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that reside in our gut and help our digestive tract as a whole, from immunity to metabolism. Indian traditional food is largely respected due to its nature to heal and diversity, yet recent interpretations and lifestyle have induced imbalance in our gut.' The attraction to processed fast foods is alarming in today's time, as Dr Jain warned that they disrupt the gut microbiome's balance and increase the risk of many gastrointestinal disorders. Dr Jain added, 'Today's food culture, urban living, and food processing have caused a significant imbalance of gut microbiota in most Indians, which may produce a variety of disease conditions such as gastrointestinal disorders, obesity, diabetes and even mental illnesses.' 4 things to avoid Processed foods like burgers and French fries are increasingly common among youth, but they pose serious health hazards to gut health.(Shutterstock) The first step to maintaining a healthy gut is eliminating some common yet harmful habits. Dr Jain shared which habits you should change: 1. Eating a lot of processed foods: Indian urban and semi-urban households experienced a dramatic increase in packet foods of snacks, soft beverages, and ready-to-eat foods. These highly processed foods have low dietary fibre and high added sugars and unhealthy fat content, which negatively impact the richness and functionality of gut microbiota. 2. Lack of dietary diversity: Traditional Indian diets were once regional and vegetarian, involving frequent use of lentils, whole grains, vegetables, seasonal fruits, seeds, and naturally fermented foods (such as curd, pickles, and idli/dosa batter). The trend of ease and the globalised food culture trend have limited dietary variety, thus denying healthy gut flora the diversity of fibres and polyphenols that they live on. 3. Increased use of antibiotics and pesticide exposure: Inappropriate use of antibiotics and consumption of chemical pesticides through non-organic foods have the potential to disturb the balance in the gut microbiome. It also sometimes represses beneficial species. 4. Sedentary lifestyle: Sedentary life, stress, lack of sleep, and irregular eating patterns are now prevalent in urban India., This also disrupts gut balance, suggesting the necessity of an integrated gut care regimen. Better dietary choices for a healthy gut Choose healthy desi options like ragi roti and lentils.(Shutterstock) Now that you know the triggers of gut imbalance and are aware of precautionary measures, let's take a look at some dietary choices that can support and improve your gut microbiome. Dr Hemant Jain highlighted these 4 dietary options: 1. Include a blend of vegetables like spinach, methi, carrots, beetroots, broccoli, and fruits, and nuts, providing a range of fibres and phytonutrients to feed an array of microbes. 2. Ancient Indian fermented foods such as dahi, buttermilk, idli, dosa, pickles, and kanji are natural probiotics and centuries old in creating gut harmony. These can increase counts of beneficial bacteria if consumed every day. 3. Prioritising top whole grains, including millets (ragi, jowar, bajra) and brown rice, lentil and legume types like masoor dal, moong dal, toor dal, chana, rajma, kala chana, chickpeas. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
