While viruses come and go, sometimes epidemic, and sometimes pandemic, dengue is a disease that does not seem to be going away anytime soon. Be it the end of the summer, the winter, the rainy, or the spring, mosquitoes are everywhere! And let's not forget, they are the root cause of the spike in most transmittal Diseases. One of the most common diseases, Dengue, is a worrisome issue in numerous countries.
While some conditions of dengue are treatable, some lead to death. Hence, before you treat this devastating disease, here is an overview that states the symptoms, causes, types, and Preventive Measures of the disease. By the end of the guide, you will come to know about the best health insurance to help you fight dengue at ease.
Looking at the common dengue symptoms, many of you might think these are mild and will go away in a day or two and all one needs is proper rest. However, here is exactly where you are wrong. Also known as the 'breakbone fever' or 'dandy fever', Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that is carried by a certain type of mosquito, the Aedes Aegypti. Dengue is referred to as breakbone fever because it targets the bones and muscles of the patient that causes a tingling pain in the bones. The bad news here is, not just in India but Dengue mosquitos prevail in the entire world, especially in South East Asia, Africa, China, and Central America.
Dengue is a fatal disease caused by a certain family of viruses that is transmitted by a particular species of mosquitoes, i.e, Aedes Aegypti. The main cause of dengue is mosquito bites. It is a viral fever that is transferred when a dengue mosquito carries the virus from an infected person and transmits it to a healthy person.
Dengue fever is classified into four divisions of viruses namely, DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, or DEN-4. Although DEN-4 and DEN-3 are the most common strains, the increasing prevalence of the four strains causes individuals to get infected multiple times. Typically, an individual can be infected with one type of virus at a time. In rare cases, patients can get infected with 2 or 3 viruses but not 4.
Although Dengue can attack anyone, the dengue virus is more prevalent among people that have compromised immunity. However, when a certain strain of dengue attacks an individual, it generates immunity for a lifetime against that particular dengue serotype with which the individual was infected. The virus is not communicable and hence, does not spread directly from person to person.
Generally, dengue is an acute illness. The dengue fever symptoms begin suddenly with a benign range of symptoms like fever, exhaustion, headache, joint pain, severe muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, and rash. When an individual gets infected with dengue, he/ she generally experiences certain dengue fever symptoms like:
Taking Preventive measures are always better than regretting later. In this case, the best approach is to avoid infected dengue mosquito bites if you reside in a tropical area or are travelling to a new place that is prone to dengue.
Back in 2019, the FDA approved a dengue vaccine named 'Dengvaxia' to fight the dengue virus. However, this dengue vaccine is applicable to adolescents only (9-16 years). Since then, no vaccines have been invented to prevent the rest of the population. Hence, to prevent this virus, individuals can take preventive measures. This includes:
Make sure you protect yourself as well as your family members from dengue bites as one bite may spread the infection over to your entire house.
As discussed above, Dengue affects a number of people all year long. Medication and hospitalisation can dig into your savings, and thus a health insurance plan is always suggested. For vector-borne diseases such as Dengue, Malaria etc. health insurance companies offer specific plans.
| Name of the Plan | Best Features |
|---|---|
| HDFC Ergo Dengue Care |
One premium across all ages No pre-policy medical test needed In-patient hospitalisation with no co-payment/ sub-limits Annual policy |
| Federal Bank Mosquito Disease Protection Policy |
Along with Dengue, 6 other diseases are covered In case of hospitalisation of 24 hours or more you receive a benefit worth INR 20,000 No pre-policy medical tests are required needed Sum insured can be reinstated |
| IFFCO TOKIO MOS-BITE Protection Plan |
Coverage for 7 vector-borne diseases In case of hospitalisation over 48 hours you receive a lump sum benefit Sum insured up to INR 1 lakh Available as a family health plan |
| Future Generali Future Vector Care Plan |
The health plan covers 7 illnesses In case of any of the listed illnesses, you receive a lump sum payout This policy can be purchased for 3 years Sum insured options from INR 10,000 to INR 75,000 |
| Bajaj Allianz M-Care Health Insurance |
Policy available as a Family floater and individual basis Cashless treatment available Lifetime renewability Sum insured up to INR 75,000 |
When you invest in a Dengue-specific health insurance plan, you get more coverage. Let us take a look at the various benefits of buying health insurance for Dengue:
Most health insurance plans that cover dengue offer the policy to individuals in the age group of 91 days to 65 years.
Dengue health plans may allow a sum insured that can go up to INR 75,000. This money can be put to use for high-quality treatment.
Most health plans offer coverage for pre and post hospitalisation expenses.
With the right kind of health insurance policy, you can cover most of your family members.
The health insurance plan coverage is based on the plan that has been opted for. Most health plans offer the following inclusions however, it is suggested that you read the policy document for more detailed information:
The following conditions are should be kept in mind:
Dengue fever is a hazard that individuals face widely. Considering the life-threatening risks of the disease, it is vital to take safety measures to ensure utmost safety from the virus. All in all, dengue prevention is the key. Moreover, if you reside in an area that holds extreme dengue infections, it is best to buy dengue health insurance to bear all medical expenses incurred in the viral treatment. While panicking does not help treat the virus, it is best to seek a doctor immediately and opt for a dengue test when you spot any of the early symptoms.
The best way of dengue prevention is to take preventive measures and stay alert. You must wear light-coloured long-sleeved clothes. Make sure no skin is exposed, especially when moving out. Applying mosquito repellents is also helpful. Stay away from places where mosquitoes can breed. These involve cans, old tires, flowerpots, etc. Change the water that you serve outdoors for birdbaths (if any). Moreover, if a family member gets infected with dengue fever, be careful about it.
No. Dengue is not transferred from person to person and hence is not communicable. The disease is transmitted from person to person by mosquito bites only.
Dengue spreads when the Aedes Aegypti mosquito carries the blood of an infected body and transmits it to a healthy body. This is how the spreading cycle continues.
To increase your blood dengue platelet count, include plenty of fluids in your diet. This includes cranberry juices, coconut water, pomegranate juice, etc. To bring dengue fever down, take oral rehydration therapy to overcome weakness and boost immunity.
Yes. Dengue is covered in most health insurance plans. If you want you can opt for a vector-borne disease health insurance plan.
There are a number of insurance companies that offer special plans for Dengue. You can choose one at Coverfox.
Yes. For a specified option, you can also go for HDFC Ergo Dengue Care.
