Routine Fevers, role of oral Chloroquine as Prevention

Because of attention being focused on Corona Virus related information,we cannot forget routine fevers prevalent during coming months bringing along Heat,Dust, Rain & Big Fat Blood Sucking Mosquitoes.

Let us remind ourselves about prevalence of diseases in and around Delhi/NCR during Summers,starting from April and lasting till end of November and beyond.

Malaria

Dengue

Typhoid

Cholera

Gastroentritis

Urinary Tract Infections ( UTI )

Fevers of Unknown Origins /Pyrexia of Unknown Origin ( PUO )

Viral Fevers of different types but limited and can cause confusions because there is No Specific Treatment Available For Dengue, Chikungunya,Flu( has hundreds of types & each one keeps mutating,changing size and shape rapidly)

Routine treatment for Any Fever is-

Paracetamol 500 mg ,8 hourly for a healthy adult & for kids,according to their weight. ( Do Not Disturb the sleeping patient because The Dose is Due after 8 hours. 8 Hours can be extended to 10-12 hours. )

Some Antiallergic tablet as safety from lots of allergens present within the system and in the outside air.

Chlorpheniramine and Promethazine are safest compared to the Newer ones available over the counter which may Not Be Liver Friendly Anti-allergic medicines.

Combine Anti allergics with Paracetamol

Liquids as Nourishment. Choices are Plenty-

Diluted Milk as a Beverage of choice along with fat-free biscuits like Marie or Parle G

Warm water with honey ( Honey is antiseptic and moisturizing also)

Fresh lemon juice+ Glass of water+ Pinch of salt+ A bit of sugar

Coconut Water ( Works well to Replenish depleting body fluids)

Light nourishment helps stomach to work less to digest the foods and indirectly helps Liver to Regenerate

Citrus Fruits & Other Soft Fruits & Salads

Adults and kids above 2 years need not be given ORS in sachets.

Avoid foods which cause distention and discomfort.

Maida is hard carbohydrates, Pulses & cooked Non Veg are hard proteins & Fats need to be AVOIDED for a quicker Recovery.

Hygiene to be Maintained by Bath/ Sponging and wearing only Cottons

Sweat has germs which get evaporated,causing infection to others and to Self as Auto infection.

Bath is as important as Medicines.

Restful life for minimum 3 days.

It is Holistic Approach to the routine fevers,prevalent during Summers of Delhi/NCR

9 out of 10 Fevers Recover

Give Routine Antibiotics Only if On Day 4 of Fever blood test shows indication of Typhoid & Other bacterial infections

Malaria is a parasitic infection & parasite is seen on a slide made with a thick layer of blood

Chances of missing the parasite on routine blood test are more because the parasite keeps circulating during the bouts of chills along with high fever.

If 2 tablets of Chloroquine are given,side effects of this medicine are lesser than side effects of rising fevers after day 4.

Observe for symptoms.

If fever comes down, complete course of 10 tablets can be given during next 3 days.

On Day 4 of fever not getting corrected, how many patients can afford a specific Antigen test for Malaria & How Many labs are Offering this Facility ?

Not Many labs are available for our masses

Communication with family is important though. more