Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is a viral infection that is spread through the bite of a mosquito infected with one of the four strains of dengue virus (DENV). The virus is most commonly found in tropical and subtropical regions. Symptoms of dengue fever are similar to those of the flu, but can progress to a severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be fatal. The risk of severe symptoms is greater if you contract the infection again. The good news is that the dengue vaccine is available even if you’ve had the infection before. Dengue is not contagious and does not spread from person to person except in rare cases, such as transmission from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby.

What symptoms are present in dengue fever?

The severity of the disease will determine the symptoms of dengue fever. Most dengue infections are asymptomatic. If you do have symptoms, a high temperature is usually present coupled with:

• Rash.
• Pain behind your eyes.
• Sore Throat
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Muscle, bone and joint pain.

The first signs of dengue fever show four to ten days after a mosquito bite and might linger for three to seven days.

The symptoms of dengue might become life-threateningly severe. In most cases, severe dengue symptoms appear 24 to 48 hours after your fever has subsided. Severe symptoms may include:

• Stomach/abdominal pain.
• Nose bleeds or bleeding gums.
• At least three vomits during a day
• A fast, erratic pulse
• Throwing up blood or blood in your stool.
• Extreme tiredness, restlessness or irritability.

What causes dengue fever?

Dengue fever is caused by any of the four types of dengue virus, which can replicate in the bloodstream when a mosquito carrying the virus bites a person. The virus attacks components in the blood responsible for clotting and providing structure to blood vessels, leading to their destruction. This can result in internal bleeding and leakage of blood from vessels, causing severe symptoms associated with dengue hemorrhagic fever, which can be life-threatening if not promptly treated.

How is dengue fever diagnosed?

Diagnosis of dengue fever is typically done through a blood test. Your doctor at Best Children Hospital in Vizag will collect a blood sample and send it to a laboratory for analysis to check for the presence of the dengue virus, as well as determine which of the four strains of the virus you have. Blood tests may also be used to rule out other infections that may have similar symptoms.

How is dengue fever treated?

There is no medication to treat dengue fever. Your doctor will advise you on how to manage your symptoms and whether or not you need to take the emergency treatment.

Managing your symptoms is the only way to treat dengue fever. Pay heed to your physician’s recommendations, which may include:

• Keeping hydrated by consuming a lot of liquids, especially water.
• Get as much sleep as you can.
• Take neither aspirin or ibuprofen. As a result, your risk of potentially serious internal bleeding may rise.

A doctor at Women And Children Hospital in Kukatpally could advise hospitalisation in specific situations, along with:

• IV fluid supplementation
• A platelet transfusion
• A blood transfusion

Prevention of Dengue fever

The following steps will help you and your family from contracting dengue fever:

• Use mosquito repellents.
• Wear long sleeves and long, tucked-in trousers when you’re outside.
• Make sure your windows and doors of your home are secure and free of gaps. 
• Sleep under the mosquito net
• Visit your doctor if you exhibit dengue symptoms.

Why choose Giggles?

Giggles Hospitals’ Department of General Medicine at best Women And Children Hospital in Kukatpally, is composed of prominent experts from across India and offers the finest medical advice and treatment alternatives. We are seeking to increase the quality of life, not just disease management. Our healthcare delivery system is oriented to offering transparent, inclusive and cost-effective services.