Dengue fever is sharply communicating mosquito born disease which infecting millions of people around the world. It signs a high fever,severe body ache & sometimes deadly complications attack through Aedes mosquitoes. The no of cases have increased due to ongoing changes in climate and urbanization. Hence it is important to know about dengue. In this blog, I will explain about dengue,its signs to look for,how it can be treated & the most effective measure of protection for yourself and your family. So read on and stay safe!
☛What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection spread through the bitting of Aedes mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti. It sprout in warm, tropical regions & communicates quickly in crowded areas along with stagnant water. It is of four types (DENV-1 to DENV-4) it means a person can get multiple times of infection of this virus. As in many cases are mild, severe infection can lead to Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) & Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) which can be malignant
☛Symptoms of Dengue Virus
It's Symptoms generally occurs between 4 to 10 days after bitting of a Aedes mosquitoes & it can transform from mild case to severe case.
Common Symptoms:-
◾High fever ( about 104°F or 40°C) .
◾Severe headache.
◾Pain behind the eyes.
◾Bone,muscle & joint pain (also known as’ Breakbone fever ‘).
◾Nausea & Vomiting.
◾Mild bleeding (nosebleeds,gum bleeding etc)
◾Skin rash.
Equable Dengue ( Dengue Hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome) symptoms.
◾Acute stomach pain.
◾Persistent vomiting.
◾Bleeding from nose,gums or under the skin also.
◾Difficulty in breathing.
◾Dizziness (signs of shock).
If any severe symptoms take a form, hunt up immediate medical help. Early treatment can save lives!
☛How Dengue is diagnosed
Dengue can be dissembled to diagnose due to its symptoms are very familiar to flu, malaria and several viral infectious diseases. However, Doctors generally use blood test to confirm it.
Common Dengue Test:-
◾NST Antigen Test - Detects the virus in the early stages of 1st 5 days.
◾PCR Test - Indentify the specific virus type.
◾IgM & IgG Antibody Test - Check for past or recent infections.
If you are suffering from High fever, severe body pain or unexplained bleeding then visit a doctor as soon as you can. Early diagnosis helps prevent complications!.
Treatment Options for Dengue
There is no specific cure for dengue, but proper care can help in managing the symptoms and prevent upcoming complications.
☛How to Treat Dengue at Home:
◾Stay hydrated - Drink plenty of water, coconut water or electrolyte solutions to avoid dehydration.
◾Control fever and pain - take paracetamol ( not ibuprofen or aspirin as they can cause bleeding)
◾Get plenty of rest - your body needs energy to fight the virus.
When to Go to the Hospital:
◾Severe stomach pain or vomiting.
◾Bleeding from the nose, gums or skin.
◾Difficulty in breathing.
◾Extreme weakness.
☛Prevention and Protection
Since there is no specific cure for dengue, prevention is the best defense. The key is to stop mosquitoes from breeding and protect yourself from bites.
How To Prevent Dengue:
◾Remove Standing Water - Remove containers like buckets, tires, and plant pots where mosquitoes lay eggs.
◾Apply Mosquito Repellents - Apply repellents on exposed skin, particularly during early morning and evening.
◾Wear Protective Clothing - Full-sleeved shirts and pants will cover your arms and legs.
◾Use Mosquito Nets & Screens - Sleep underneath a net and fix mosquito screens on window frames and doors.
◾Community Action - Encourage local efforts to spray insecticides and clean public spaces.
With a few simple steps, you can help protect yourself and your community from dengue!
☛Dengue Vaccines and Upcoming Developments
Generally, dengue vaccination can be a potential safeguard against infection with the virus; however, not every individual can benefit from it. The most popular vaccine Dengvaxia is recommended only for individuals who have had dengue in the past. A more recent vaccine that is available in a few countries is called Qdenga and protects persons who have never previously contracted the disease.
Read more: The Rare Side Effects of Covishield:Covishield||Need to Know
☛Hopes for Future Dengue Prevention:
◾The search for superior vaccines continues of researchers confirms future safety to use vaccines by all people.
◾Work is still ongoing by scientists to genetically modify mosquitoes or use bacterium called Wolbachia to control populations and hence reduce transmission of dengue.
◾Vaccination along with mosquito control would bring the impact of dengue at a much lower level worldwide!
◾Dengue is a severe disease. However, its prevention is possible. Such understanding should involve its symptoms, treatment, and prevention measures so as to help individuals and communities in learning how to protect themselves against dengue.
Key Takeaways:
◾Dengue spreads by mosquito bite-it's time to remove the breeding sites!
◾Symptoms to watch out for include fever, pain throughout the body, and bleeding.
◾No specific cure is available-stay hydrated and report to the hospital if need be.
◾Prevention is the best remedy-give high priority to repellents: dress in clothes that reduce exposure, and take part in the vaccination program.
Read more:What is Paracetamol, and How Does It Work
Read more: Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV): Symptoms, Prevention & More
☛FAQ
1. What is the way in which dengue spreads?
Dengue is caused primarily by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the most important of which is Aedes aegypti. These insects breed in stagnant water and are generally diurnal. The virus cannot spread directly from a person.
2. What are the warning signs of severe dengue?
The symptom would be severe abdominal pain, vomiting that is persistent, bleeding from either the nose or gums, breathing difficulty, and dizziness. These might cause you to need immediate care to prevent lif- threatening complications such as organ failure or shock.
3. How do doctors diagnose dengue?
Diagnosis is done through various blood tests, namely NS1 antigen test, PCR test, and IgM/IgG antibody tests. The tests will identify value either viruses or immune response. Early diagnosis plays a prime role in symptom management and ultimately diminishes severe complication chances.
4. How can we prevent dengue?
Prevent dengue by eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and installing nets/screens. Community efforts like spraying insecticides and keeping surroundings clean also help reduce mosquito populations and prevent outbreaks.