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What to Eat When Recovering from Dengue?

6 Dengue Diet Tips: What To Eat, Food To Avoid And Diet Planning - DoctorOnCall

Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, has been a persistent health concern in Malaysia since its first case in 1902 and its first major outbreak in 1973.[1] Dengue is hyperendemic in Malaysia.[2] meaning that dengue cases are consistently high.[3] In 2019, Malaysia recorded its highest number of dengue cases, with 130,101 reported.[4]

There is currently no specific treatment or cure for dengue.[5] While most symptoms subside within two weeks,[5] some survivors may endure persistent symptoms that can linger for months.[6],[7],[8]

Many individuals infected with dengue often seek alternative ways to relieve their discomfort. This article explores helpful recommendations and suggestions to support your recovery from dengue fever.

Drink plenty of water

Dengue patients are at risk of dehydration due to common symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.[9] It’s important to monitor your fluid intake and losses carefully.[9] The Malaysian Ministry of Health advises dengue patients to drink more than eight glasses of water daily to help ease symptoms.[10]

Not drinking enough water can worsen your condition and potentially lead to a state of shock.[11] As an alternative, consider isotonic drinks or soups, which can help restore essential nutrients and electrolytes in your body.[12]

Consume a balanced diet

It is common for dengue patients to experience a loss of appetite.[13] Proper nutrition is essential for healing as the body recovers. Therefore, maintaining a regular eating schedule and consuming a balanced diet is crucial.

Each food group provides distinct nutritional benefits. For example, eating foods rich in protein and iron helps strengthen the immune system, prevent anemia, and ensure the body has the nutrition to recover.[14]

When appetite is low, eating foods that are easy to digest and provide necessary nutrients is important.[14] If solid foods are difficult to consume due to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain, soft foods such as porridge or soups can be a helpful alternative. These foods are gentler on the digestive system because they contain more liquid, making them easier for the body to process and absorb.[15]

Eat fruits and vegetables rich in Vitamin C

It has been proven that consuming foods rich in vitamin C reduces the length of time spent in the hospital and protects against the side effects of dengue fever.[16] Therefore, it is strongly advised to include vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables in your diet. Vitamin C demonstrates numerous beneficial properties, such as[16],[17],[18]:

  • Increasing platelet count.
  • Helping with wound healing
  • Increasing the resistance of your body
  • Protecting cells and keeping them healthy
  • Maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, and bones

Here are 5 foods enriched with Vitamin C, which you can eat when infected with dengue fever.

Food
Vitamin C every 100g
Orange
53 mg
Broccoli
89 mg
Kiwi
93 mg
Bell Pepper
128 mg
Guava
228 mg

Avoid spicy and oily food

Oily foods may lead to feelings of bloating and nausea due to high fat content which requires a longer time for the body to digest.[19] Spicy foods may lead to gastrointestinal discomfort such as diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach aches.[20] This will naturally delay the pace of your recovery from dengue fever.

If you have dengue fever, consume foods that are low in spiciness and contain little to no oil.[19] Stay away from oily and spicy foods until you have completely recovered!

Other things you could do when recovering from dengue

A second infection caused by a different dengue serotype may increase your risk of severe dengue. To avoid another brush with dengue, consider preventive methods such as clearing your living area of mosquito breeding sites, preventing mosquitoes from biting your loved ones, or speaking to your doctor about the latest dengue prevention methods.

​References

  1. Salim, N.A.M., Wah, Y.B., Reeves, C. et al. Prediction of dengue outbreak in Selangor Malaysia Using Machine Learning Techniques. Sci Rep | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022
  2. Chem, Y. K., Yenamandra, S. P., Chong, C. K., et al. (2021). Molecular epidemiology of dengue in Malaysia: 2015–2021. Retrieved January 2, 2025, from PubMed Central: Link
  3. Radhakrishnan A, Klekamp B, Wang SM, et al. (2014) Clinical and Immunological Markers of Dengue Progression in a Study Cohort from a Hyperendemic Area in Malaysia. PLoS ONE 9(3): e92021 | Link | Accessed on September 23, 2022
  4. CodeBlue. (2020, January 6). Malaysia reports 130,000 dengue cases in 2019, highest since 2015 | Link | Accessed on September 23, 2022.
  5. World Health Organization (WHO). Dengue and severe dengue. | Link | Accessed on 6 December 2024.
  6. García, G., González, N., Pérez, A. B., et al. Long-term persistence of clinical symptoms in dengue-infected persons and its association with immunological disorders. ScienceDirect | Link | Accessed on 2 December 2024.
  7. Schulte, A., Weber, I., Tiga-Loza, D. C., et al. Health-Related Quality of Life after Dengue Fever, Morelos, Mexico, 2016–2017. PMC | Link | Accessed on 2 December 2024.
  8. Hung, T. M., Wills, B., Clapham, H. E., et al. The Uncertainty Surrounding the Burden of Post-acute Consequences of Dengue Infection. Trends in Parasitology | Link | Accessed on 2 December 2024.
  9. Chew, N., Azhar, A. M. N., Bustam, A., et al. Assessing dehydration status in dengue patients using urine colourimetry and mobile phone technology. PMC | Link | Accessed on 2 December 2024.
  10. Ministry of Health of Malaysia. Home Care Advice For Dengue Patients [Leaflet] | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.
  11. Harris E, Pérez L, Phares CR, et al. Fluid Intake and Decreased Risk for Hospitalization for Dengue Fever, Nicaragua. CDC | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.
  12. HealthXchange. Dengue Fever: How to Recover Fast. HealthXchange | Link | Accessed on 2 December 2024.
  13. Paras Hospitals. Appetite Loss - Symptom of Dengue? | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.
  14. Tua Saúde. What to Eat If You Have Dengue Fever (with a 3-day Diet Plan) | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.
  15. Wellness Munch. Dietary Guideline For Dengue Fever Treatment | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.
  16. Langerman SD, Ververs M. Micronutrient Supplementation and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Dengue Fever. National Library of Medicine | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.
  17. NHS. Vitamin C | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.
  18. Myfooddata. Top 10 Foods Highest in Vitamin C | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.
  19. Mishra S, Agrahari K, Shah DK. Prevention and Control of Dengue by Diet Therapy. International Journal of Mosquito Research | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.
  20. Sunway Medical Centre I Sunway City. The Effects of Spicy Food | Link | Accessed on 20 September 2022.

This article is brought to you by Takeda Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.

Disclaimer: This information is available to the public for informational purposes only; it should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. It is not intended to substitute consultation with a healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for advice.

C-ANPROM/MY/DENV/0389 FEB 2025

Written By DoctorOnCall Panel Doctor, DoctorOnCall Panel Doctors are certified and registered with KKM with vast experience in medical field. on

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