Symptoms of Dengue and necessary treatment
Dengue and some of its common symptoms and necessary precautions
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection. Dengue is transmitted by the bite of a female Aedes mosquito. Mild dengue fever is characterized by high fever and flu-like symptoms. A severe form of dengue fever, also known as dengue hemorrhagic fever. All of these can cause severe bleeding, a sudden drop in blood pressure (shock) and even death.
What are the symptoms of dengue infection?
Dengue symptoms usually appear 4-7 days after infection and can last up to about 10 days. These symptoms are not always present in children and adolescents, especially if the infection is mild.
The different symptoms of dengue are:
- High fever up to 104-degrees Fahrenheit.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Severe headache.
- Rashes on different parts of the body.
- Swelling of Glands
- Body aches, bone and joint pain.
- Bleeding from the root of the tooth or gums.
- Skin bruises easily. Such lesions may occur without any injury.
- Fatigue
- Pain behind the eyeball.
In children and young adults, the infection is often mild and symptoms are similar to viral flu. It subsides on its own. It has less to mild effect on its first occurrence.
Symptoms in adults: Dengue fever can cause serious complications in adults. It is known as dengue hemorrhagic fever DSS. Common symptoms of DSS are:
- High fever
- Damaged blood vessels.
- Bleeding from blood vessels.
- Blood in vomit, urine and stool.
- Damage to the lymphatic system.
- The number of blood platelets decreases excessively.
- Enlargement of the liver.
- Abdominal pain.
- Cold and pale appearance.
- Bleeding from the nose and gums.
- Nerve failure.
- Irritable and restless behavior.
- Difficulty breathing.
When to see a doctor?
If you have any of the given symptoms, be sure to call your doctor and get tested for dengue. Contact emergency services without delay if any of the severe symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, vomiting or bleeding occur. Also, watch out for these symptoms if you live in an area where dengue is endemic. Call your doctor if dengue is suspected.
How is it treated?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue. There is only symptomatic and supportive treatment. It is very important to take it because your body is generally vulnerable to the effects of dengue. Medical help is needed to help your body recover and prevent further complications. Dengue fever also causes body aches, so its effects can make the fever worse. Acetaminophen-type pain relievers are prescribed for this type of pain. Aspirin should not be taken at this time, as it may increase bleeding. Keep the body hydrated and get enough rest.
If DSS is present, hospitalization is required and may be monitored periodically for blood tests and blood pressure, along with intravenous platelet transfusions.
What to do?
If you have a sudden onset of fever and the fever lasts more than 2 days and you have any of the given symptoms, be sure to call your doctor and get tested for dengue. Some common blood tests to detect dengue are –
Dengue NS1 Antigen
Immunoglobulin M (IgM)
Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
Dengue RNA PCR test
Attention:
Dengue fever is a viral fever. Hospitalization is required in appropriate cases. If we want to be protected, we must protect ourselves from mosquito bites. If you are an adult or an elderly person, you should be more careful about complications.
Be careful yourself and aware others too.
Contact Clinica Diagnostics for suspected dengue fever blood test and quick reporting. Phone Number – 6292253120 / 6292253121