Dengue is a disease contracted from the bite of mosquitoes infected with one of the dengue viruses. It is a viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide. Mostly occurring in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world, dengue fever causes symptoms commonly associated with fever and flu. Dengue is a significant public health concern caused by the dengue virus, which is spread by the bite of the infected female mosquito, the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This blog will explore the early dengue symptoms and some effective dengue treatment methods and options. Let’s dive in!
Early Symptoms of Dengue Fever
High Fever: One of the common early dengue symptoms is the sudden onset of high fever, usually above 40 degrees Celsius, which can go even higher. This high fever can last up to several days.
Severe Headache: People affected by dengue often experience debilitating and intense headaches. These include severe, persistent pain around the forehead and behind the eyes.
Pain Behind the Eyes: Another common one of the dengue symptoms is pain behind the eyes. This usually occurs along with severe headaches. This pain is called retro-orbital pain, and its discomfort can increase with eye movement.
Joint and Muscle Pain: The classic signs of dengue fever include excruciating joint and muscular pain, which is sometimes described as feeling like bones are breaking (hence the phrase “breakbone fever”). The pain may severely affect many joints and muscles.
Fatigue and Weakness: Common dengue symptoms include weakness, a generalized sensation of tiredness, and general fatigue. This may continue long after the fever goes down.
Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea, vomiting, and appetite loss are other common dengue symptoms. One concern with dengue patients is dehydration, which can be exacerbated by these gastrointestinal symptoms.
Skin Rash: A rash is another of the dengue symptoms that starts to develop when the fever begins to subside. It typically appears 2-5 after the dengue fever starts. The rash fades after a few days, often appearing on the limbs and trunk.
Mild Bleeding: In some cases, dengue symptoms may also accompany bleeding. Nosebleeds, bleeding of the gums, or bruising easily are some forms of bleeding that occur in dengue fever. This one of the dengue symptoms shows up because of the virus’s effects on the blood vessels.
Dengue Treatment
Rest and Hydration: Rest is one of the best things for dengue treatment. Take time off work and other activities, and let your body recover from weakness by giving yourself rest. This dengue treatment also helps the body recover from dengue symptoms like muscle pain, headache and fatigue. Keep hydrating while you’re still. It is important to hydrate because there is a tendency to get dehydrated during a dengue fever due to vomiting or decreased oral intake.
Pain Management: Medications like paracetamol are used to manage pain and fever for dengue treatment. Drugs like aspirin and NSAIDs can increase the risk of bleeding complications that usually arise from dengue fever.
Monitoring and Medical Care: Finally, for proper and effective dengue treatment, vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate must be monitored. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or persist.
Dengue Fever Treatment at Home
Isolation: For dengue treatment at home, remain in isolation, rest in a comfortable environment and avoid mosquito bites to prevent the spread of the virus to others. Use mosquito nets and insect repellents to prevent mosquitoes from entering your homes.
Hydration: Watch for signs of dehydration and stay hydrated at all times. Increase your fluid intake, such as water, oral rehydration solution, coconut water, and soups.
Fever Management: One standard dengue treatment is applying a cold compress to reduce fever and provide relief.
Nutritious Diet:
The best dengue treatment is a proper and nutritious diet. Eat balanced meals. Eat a diet rich in vitamins and minerals to strengthen your immune system. Consume light, easily digestible meals, such as fruits, vegetables, and light soups. Choose to eat smaller, more often meals to keep your energy levels up and fight nausea.
FAQs
- What new treatments are being developed for dengue fever?
Antiviral drugs are being developed explicitly targeting the dengue virus. These drugs aim to inhibit virus replication and reduce the severity of the infection. Monoclonal antibodies that neutralize the dengue virus are being studied as a treatment to prevent the progression of the disease. Vaccines are also being developed for dengue treatment to be effective against the dengue virus types.
- How effective is the Dengvaxia vaccine, and who should get it?
For those who have already contracted dengue, the Dengvaxia vaccine has demonstrated efficacy in avoiding severe dengue fever. It is advised for those at risk of developing a severe case of dengue fever and a history of infection.
- Can climate change impact the spread of dengue?
Yes, climate change can increase dengue symptoms and fever spread by altering mosquito habitats and allowing them to thrive in new areas.
- Are there any natural remedies that can help treat dengue symptoms?
Although there are no effective home cures for dengue fever, some research indicates that herbs like ginger and turmeric may help reduce dengue symptoms like fever and inflammation.