A Full Guide to Dengue: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Dengue is a viral infection caused by the dengue virus that is spread by mosquitoes. It is a major health issue as it affects a large number of people every year. The monsoon season is a significant time for this viral infection as it creates more opportunities for the growth of mosquitoes. It is crucial that people have knowledge regarding this viral infection.

What Is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral disease, which is produced by the dengue virus transmitted to humans by the bite of a female mosquito. The mosquito prefers to bite during daytime hours, especially early morning and late afternoon. Infection by the dengue virus is seen at all ages and can be both mild and severe. It can also be fatal.

The dengue virus has four different types. When an individual catches the first infection, it makes them immune only to that particular type, which implies that one can suffer from it more than once.

Causes and Transmission of Dengue

A dengue infection results from being bitten by an infected female Aedes mosquito. It is not contagious, meaning it cannot be passed along from one person to another. The mosquito becomes infected after biting a person who already carries dengue virus in his/her body. The dengue virus multiplies inside the mosquito after it has bitten a person who has dengue virus and then transmits it to the next person it bites.

The factors that can contribute to the risk of dengue are:

• Stagnant water around homes
• Poor waste management
• Monsoon season and humid climate
• High urban population densities

Symptoms of Dengue

In most people, symptoms occur 4 to 10 days after an infected mosquito has bitten them. These symptoms consist of:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Muscle and joint pain, often described as "breakbone fever"
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash that occurs a few days following onset of fever
• Fatigue and weakness

Symptoms can last for 5 to 7 days. Often, dengue can also be confused with viral fever and flu. This is a good reason to rely on proper diagnosis.

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue

Severe dengue cases may occur in patients, which is an emergency condition. Then, warning signs emerge after the fever, which may include the following:

• Vomiting
• Bleeding gums or nose
• Blood in urine or feces
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme tiredness or agitation

Should any of the accompanying symptoms be experienced, immediate medical attention is required.

Diagnosis of Dengue

A positive diagnosis of dengue can be made in a laboratory test that involves the use of blood to test for the presence of the disease or antibodies to the disease. Common laboratory tests include:

• NS1 antigen test (for early diagnosis)
• IgM and IgG antibody tests
• Complete blood count for platelet count evaluation

Early diagnosis assists the doctor in monitoring any complications, for instance, low platelet levels.

Treatment and Management of Dengue

There are no specific antivirals for the treatment of dengue infection.

• Adequate fluid intake to prevent dehydration
• Paracetamol for fever and pain management
• Monitoring of platelet count and vital signs
• Hospitalization for cases that are moderately to severely infected

Aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications are to be avoided due to their risk of bleeding.

Tips for Home Care

• Complete bed rest
• Take lots of fluids like water, ORS solution, coconut water or soups.
• Light and healthy meals
• Check temperature and symptoms frequently

Adherence to all the doctor’s recommendations can prove critical during the recovery process.

Dengue Virus Infection in Children and Risk Groups

Children, senior citizens, pregnant women or persons with an impaired immune system are also at an increased risk of contracting dengue. If a child gets contracted with the disease, it may begin with mild symptoms but progress very quickly.

Prevention of Dengue

Preventing biting by mosquitoes and controlling the breeding of mosquitoes are the best methods of preventing dengue.

Preventive Measures Include:

• Removal of any stagnant water present around the house
• Mosquito repellents and nets
• Wearing long-sleeved clothes
• Installing window screens
• Application of larvicides in recommended areas

Community awareness and hygiene are important components in dengue prevention.

When to See a Doctor

If you have fever along with body pain, headache or skin rash, consult a doctor during the monsoon season. In case warning symptoms dengue develop or a substantial decrease in platelet counts is noticed, seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider.

Dengue Care at Prakash Hospital

In the case of Prakash Hospital, the care for dengue patients involves early diagnosis, observation and conservative management. With competent specialists, well-developed lab facilities and patient-friendly care, the hospital is able to diagnose complications such as a drop in the platelet count and dehydration on time. This helps prevent dengue from becoming more severe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is dengue contagious?

No, dengue fever is not a disease that is transferred by person-to-person contact. It can only spread if one is bitten by a mosquito

• Dengue fever duration?

Symptoms run for 5-7 days, but weakness may persist in some patients for several weeks.

• Can dengue fever be treated at home?

For the mild form, home treatment can be done under the supervision of a physician.

• Is low platelet count dangerous?

Platelet counts that are very low might raise the risk for bleeding and needing to stay in the hospital.

• Can dengue be contracted more than once?

Yes, one can suffer from dengue infection more than once due to different strains.