Dengue fever symptoms and treatment

Dengue: A Generic Perspective
Dengue Fever: An Outline
Dengue is a viral infection that is mainly transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It is a highly common infection in tropical and subtropical regions, including India. The symptoms of dengue fever vary from mild to severe and may result in life-threatening conditions if not managed appropriately.

Symptoms of Dengue:

What to Watch For Classical Signs of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever typically begins with a high fever that suddenly and rapidly rises, often reaching 104°F (40°C). The high fever is accompanied by such symptoms as severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint aches, nausea, vomiting, and the characteristic dengue rash. These signs and symptoms usually begin 4-10 days after becoming bitten by an infected mosquito.

Symptoms of Severe Dengue
In some cases, dengue takes a serious turn and results in severe dengue, also referred to as dengue hemorrhagic fever. Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, rapid breathing, fatigue, restlessness, and blood in vomit or stool can characterize this form of the disease. As described above, timely medical intervention proves essential for managing severe dengue.

Special Considerations Relating to Dengue in Children
Symptoms of Dengue in Kids
Children suffering from dengue are often manifesting similar symptoms seen in adults but are more at risk of the two critical variants of the disease. Parents should be watchful of the warning signals, including drowsiness, irritability, persistent vomiting, and signs of bleeding. Early treatment and diagnosis prevent complications in children.

Dengue Management in Children
Treatment for dengue in children is based on supportive care with appropriate fluid intake, pain management with acetaminophen, and avoiding aspirin or ibuprofen while watching for the signs of severe dengue. Children with severe symptoms may be hospitalized.

Dengue Treatment: Managing the Disease

Standard Dengue Fever Treatment
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever, and its management is usually symptomatic. It includes bed rest, fluid replacement, and paracetamol for pain. Aspirin and NSAIDs are contraindicated due to an increased risk of bleeding.

Severe Dengue Treatment
Severe dengue requires hospitalization, and treatment mainly involves intravenous fluid replacement, blood transfusion as needed, and close monitoring of vital signs. Early intervention can go a long way in improving the prognosis in severe disease.

Dengue Test: Diagnosis and Costs
Types of Dengue Tests
Laboratory diagnosis of the infection is done through tests, which help in the identification of the virus or its components and antibodies produced against it. Tests include an NS1 antigen test that helps in detecting the virus in the early stages of an infection. The IgM and IgG antibody tests identify recent or past infections. Dengue Test Price
The various Dengue tests have varying prices depending on their type and the health facility offering the service. It costs between ₹600 and ₹2,000 in India. It is also better to be guided by your healthcare provider to choose the appropriate test based on symptoms and time.

Dengue Mosquito: The Vector of the Disease
Aedes Mosquito: The Culprit
Dengue is transmitted through the Aedes mosquito, particularly Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. This mosquito bites most actively during the day, with peak hours during early morning and before dusk. They breed in stagnant water, so eradicating their breeding sites should also be done to control the spread of dengue.

Prevention Strategies
Preventing mosquito bites is an integral part of minimizing the risk of developing dengue, which includes the use of insect repellents, long-sleeved clothing, mosquito nets, and necessary precautions concerning water containers to be either covered or regularly emptied. The community at large should also strive towards reducing mosquito breeding sites.

Medication for Dengue Fever:

Things to Remember
Drug to Relieve the Symptoms
As discussed above, no antiviral medication is available for dengue. Paracetamol is the drug of choice for fever and pain management. Aspirin and other NSAIDs should not be used because of bleeding tendencies.

Alternative Therapies
Other patients resort to alternative treatments besides conventional ones in order to try to alleviate the symptoms. Herbal remedies can be considered, though not very well established in efficacy. It is important to consult a healthcare provider prior to resorting to any alternative treatment.

Conclusion:

Keeping Informed and Ready
Dengue remains a public health threat and is a concern in those areas of the world where the Aedes mosquito inhabits. The recognition of symptoms, early diagnosis, and appropriate management will prevent serious complications. Community involvement in public health initiatives targeted toward mosquito control and social education could further reduce the burden of dengue.

Telangana Demands Report on Seasonal Diseases