Dengue fever, spread by mosquito bites, is increasingly affecting children, especially during and after the monsoon season. While many cases are mild, some can worsen quickly into severe dengue, which can be life-threatening.
Children often show different signs of dengue compared to adults, says Dr Tushar Tayal, Consultant, Internal Medicine at CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram. “In young children, the symptoms may not be obvious. They might just appear irritable, refuse food, or show less interest in play. In older children, dengue typically begins with a sudden high-grade fever, headache, eye pain, and general body aches. While this may seem like a regular viral fever, it’s important for parents to stay alert.The real danger. Often begins when the fever starts to come down, usually around day four to six. Parents may think their child is recovering, but that’s when complications can set in,” he says.
Spotting severe dengue:
The most critical signs tend to appear after the fever starts subsiding. “This is the phase when children might enter what we call the ‘critical phase’ of dengue. Parents should look out for ongoing vomiting, severe stomach pain, signs of bleeding such as nosebleeds or blood in the stool, and unusual tiredness or restlessness,” Dr Tayal cautions.
Also read | Dengue symptoms in kids, home remedies, prevention tips
He adds that these symptoms suggest the risk of dengue shock syndrome or dengue haemorrhagic fever, conditions that require urgent hospital care. Keeping your child well-hydrated with fluids like ORS, soups, or coconut water is key. Avoid medicines like aspirin or ibuprofen, which can increase bleeding risks. “Only paracetamol should be used for fever relief,” Dr Tayal advises.
Dr Tayal shares effective tips that parents must keep in mind:
- Sudden high fever: It lasts for 2–7 days, often with headaches, eye pain, and body aches. The fever often comes on abruptly and may not respond well to usual fever medicines. A persistent high temperature, especially if accompanied by chills, should raise concern.
- Loss of appetite or irritability: Especially in infants and toddlers, this may be the only clue. Children may refuse to eat or drink and appear cranky or clingy. Subtle behavioural changes can be early hints of underlying illness.
- Rashes on the body: Usually on the chest, back, or limbs as the fever progresses, the rash may look like red spots or blotches and can appear after the fever peaks. In some cases, the rash may fade and return, confusing diagnosis.
- Severe stomach pain or repeated vomiting: It signals possible internal issues. Vomiting more than three times a day is a warning sign and not just due to dehydration. Stomach pain may indicate fluid leakage or involvement of internal organs.
- Unusual bleeding: Watch for gum bleeding, blood in stools or vomit. Even minor bleeding, like easy bruising or tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae), should not be ignored. These signs may indicate low platelet counts or clotting issues.
- Extreme drowsiness or agitation: Could point to shock or brain involvement. A child who seems overly sleepy, confused, or unusually restless needs urgent attention. These symptoms may reflect a drop in blood pressure or impaired blood flow to the brain.
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