Beware of Bloody Fever during the Rainy Season

Dengue fever (DHF) is a life-threatening form of dengue fever. DHF is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Tropical and subtropical countries are at high risk for transmission of the virus. This is associated with high temperature rises and changes in the rainy and dry seasons are allegedly risk factors for dengue virus transmission.

 

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of dengue fever?

The signs and symptoms of dengue fever may vary from patient to patient, depending on the severity and phase of dengue fever.

The following are common signs and symptoms of dengue fever:

• Fever up to 40 degrees Celsius
• Headache
• Muscle, bone and joint pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain behind the eyes
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Skin rash

These symptoms will usually improve within a week. However, there is also the possibility of symptoms progressing to become more severe and life-threatening. These conditions are called severe dengue and dengue shock syndrome.

 

When should I see a doctor?

If you have any of the above signs or symptoms or any other questions, consult your doctor. Always consult a doctor to manage your health condition.

 

The phases of dengue fever are often called the "Horse Saddle Cycle".

Here are the phases of dengue fever that you need to know:

• Fever phase: a high fever that lasts for 2-7 weeks, accompanied by other symptoms such as muscle pain and headache.
• Critical phase: after 1 week, the fever will drop. However, DHF patients are at risk of severe bleeding in this phase. This condition usually requires intensive care.
• Healing phase: after the critical phase, the patient will experience fever again. However, this is the healing phase of DHF where platelets slowly rise again.

 

Risk factors

What increases my risk of getting this disease?

There are many risk factors for getting dengue, namely:

• Living or traveling to an area with a tropical climate
• Being in tropical and subtropical areas increases the risk of getting dengue fever. High risk areas are Southeast Asia, western Pacific Islands, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
• Have a history of dengue fever
• If you have been sick with dengue before, you have a high chance of experiencing more serious symptoms if you are infected again.

 

Complications

What complications can occur from this disease?

If not treated properly, fatal dengue complications can occur. One of them is dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

DSS does not only cause the usual dengue fever symptoms, but is also accompanied by shock symptoms such as:

• Hypotension (falling blood pressure)
• Difficulty breathing
• Weakened pulse
• Cold sweating
• Dilated pupils
• This condition cannot be cured simply by being left alone. DSS can cause organ failure, which may lead to death.

 

How is dengue fever treated?

There is no specific treatment for the disease, most patients will usually recover within 2 weeks. However, it is important to treat symptoms appropriately to avoid complications.

Doctors usually recommend the following treatment options for dengue:

1. Fever-reducing medication

    Paracetamol is a painkiller that can ease pain and lower fever. Avoid painkillers that can increase bleeding complications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. For more serious cases, dengue can lead to shock or hemorrhagic fever which requires more medical attention.

2. Get plenty of bed rest

    People who are experiencing dengue fever are advised to rest. By resting, the patient will recover faster. Rest can help restore damaged body tissues when exposed to this condition. The doctor will give the patient some drugs to make them sleepy so that they can rest fully.

3. Drink plenty of fluids

    Treatment in the hospital using IVs will help DHF patients meet their fluid needs. However, a DHF patient does not always have to be hospitalized. As long as you follow the guidelines, you can treat DHF patients at home. Doctors will advise patients hospitalized or treated at home to consume lots of fluids. Not          only mineral water or infusions, fluids can be from soup, fruit, or juice. DHF patients must consume fluids to reduce fever and prevent dehydration. Symptoms of dengue fever due to the dengue virus characterized by muscle cramps and headaches due to dehydration can also be treated by drinking plenty of              fluids.