Dengue fever is caused by the Dengue virus and spread by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. Carried by mosquitoes and caused by four related viruses, this fever has earned its nickname "break-bone" fever due to the intense joint and muscle pain it can cause.
During the monsoon season, dengue fever cases often rise. Dr Basavaraj Kuntoji, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Manipal Hospital, Malleshwaram and Millers Road, notes, “In the past month-and-a-half, we’ve seen an increase in dengue patients. Most fever cases in the OPD are turning out to be dengue, with some requiring admission, and occasionally, ICU care. It's important to recognise early symptoms and take precautions,” he adds.
Phases of dengue fever:
The disease progresses through three phases. Dr Kuntoji explains, “The febrile phase begins with a high fever and is accompanied by body aches, back pain, eye pain, and headaches. This phase usually lasts 3 to 5 days. The critical phase typically starts around the 3rd or 4th day of fever and may involve symptoms such as low blood pressure, extreme tiredness, giddiness upon standing, and potential bleeding. Severe complications during this phase can include organ failure, such as jaundice, kidney failure, heart issues, and altered mental state, which may require ICU care. This phase can last 2 to 3 days or longer. The recovery phase follows, marked by symptoms like a skin rash, itching, and a lower heart rate.”
Home management tips:
To manage fever at home, use paracetamol up to 4 times a day, avoiding diclofenac, ibuprofen, and steroids. Stay hydrated by drinking water, coconut water, ORS, buttermilk, and fresh fruit juices. Eat softer foods and watch for serious symptoms such as severe vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, or giddiness upon standing. Seek immediate medical help if these symptoms occur. If your platelet count drops below 50,000, consider hospitalisation. Consult a doctor if the fever continues for more than 2 to 3 days.
Do's and don'ts of dengue fever:
Common symptoms of dengue fever
Do's: Be aware of high-grade intermittent fever, severe body pain, back pain, headache, and pain behind the eyes.
Don'ts: Note that symptoms such as multiple joint pain or stiffness and burning sensation during urination may not be indicative of dengue; they could signal other viral or bacterial infections or urinary tract infections.
Treatment at home
Do's: Use paracetamol for high fever. Drink plenty of water, fresh coconut water, or fresh homemade fruit juices and buttermilk.
Don'ts: Avoid aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, or steroids as they may increase bleeding risks. Refrain from aerated drinks and packaged fruit juices. Papaya leaf extract can cause nausea, vomiting, and stool colour changes and is not recommended.
Dietary recommendations
Do's: Can eat all fruits like chikoo, papaya, pomegranate, kiwi, etc.
Don'ts: Do not rely solely on home remedies if symptoms persist beyond the second day; consult a doctor and get appropriate blood tests.
Prevention
Do's: Stay in clean, well-ventilated areas, and wear protective clothing like long sleeves, pants, shoes, and socks outdoors. Additionally, use mosquito-repellent creams, lotions, and coils, and curtains, drain standing water, and apply mosquito-repellent sprays in gardens in the morning and evening.
Don'ts: Do not forget to take necessary mosquito bite prevention methods.
Reinfection risk
Do's: Be cautious as there are four serotypes of dengue. Even after recovering from one serotype, you can get infected by another.
Don'ts: Do not assume immunity from one dengue infection will protect against others. Always stay vigilant against mosquito bites.
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