Dengue is a very common infectious disease in tropical and subtropical countries, although in recent years it has also spread to regions such as United States or Canada increasing its spread worldwide. This condition is transmitted by the bite of the female mosquito Aedes Aegypti previously infected, and although the insect is a carrier of the condition, it does not affect it at all. In principle classic dengue is a condition that requires care but is not serious unless it evolves into hemorrhagic dengue, in which case there are more serious he alth risks important. This disease is especially delicate when the patients are infants, children and the elderly, in which case precautions and care must be increased to the maximum.
In this ONsalus article we explain in detail the symptoms, contagion and treatment of classic dengue.
Dengue contagion
Dengue is a disease that occurs mainly in tropical and subtropical countries where there are the perfect conditions of heat and humidity for the Aedes Aegypti mosquito to spread. This insect becomes a carrier of dengue when it bites a human infected with the virus, from that moment all humans who are bitten by that mosquito will be infected with this condition.
Once an infected mosquito bites us, the first symptoms will appear between 4 and 7 days after the infection occurs. This virus affects the count of our platelets, causing their levels to drop, which allows the appearance of the main symptoms linked to this disease. Because a good level of platelets is essential for proper blood coagulation, when they decrease below 10,000 mcL we run the risk of serious internal bleeding, which is known as hemorrhagic dengue
Because preventing the contagion or spread of this virus is not an easy task, the support of the entire community is required to prevent the spread of mosquito breeding sites such as stagnant water or areas unfumigated greens. It is also important for local he alth agencies to be aware of possible outbreaks of this condition in order to control them effectively.
Types of dengue and immunity
There are 4 types of dengue DEN_1, DEN_2, DEN_3, DEN_4. Once we get infected with one of them we will develop immunity to that specific strain, however we will run the risk that if we contract dengue again and it is another type there is a greater possibility of presenting hemorrhagic dengue, a condition that requires hospitalization and that can put our he alth at significant risk.
In these cases it is necessary to increase precautions and be very attentive to the symptoms of dengue in order to attend in time to anyone who could have been infected a second time, something that can occur especially in areas where the presence of Aedes Aegypti is important.
Dengue is NOT contagious by:
- Direct contact with someone infected.
- For sharing personal items with a patient.
- By kissing or sexual contact.
Dengue symptoms
The symptoms of dengue usually appear between 4 and 7 days after infection and can last up to 1 week. The onset of this disease is characterized by a high fever, usually 40º C, that appears suddenly, accompanied by other signs such as:
- Fatigue, caused by low platelets.
- Intense headache.
- Pain in the eye sockets.
- Muscle pain and very general malaise.
- Swelling of the lymph nodes.
- Loss of appetite.
- Some days after the onset of fever, a slight skin rash may appear, a characteristic sign of this condition.
This picture, which can be confused by some with a simple flu, can vary in intensity depending on how low the platelets are. If they drop to an alarming level, the patient may also experience bleeding from the gums, nose, stool or urine, along with increased fatigue, fever and great discomfort. Faced with this situation, it is vital to immediately go to a he alth center, because if the internal bleeding worsens without medical attention, there is a risk of going into shock and even dying.
How dangerous is classic dengue?
In general terms classic dengue is a condition that can be very uncomfortable for the patient and whose high fever, body aches and shortness of breath of appetite will force you to absolute rest. Despite this, and as long as adequate hydration and adequate rest are maintained, this condition does not usually represent any danger.
The virus heals on its own and without treatment, however infants, young children and the elderly are the group of higher risk and require significant care. Constantly monitoring the temperature, taking measures so that the fever does not rise, offering adequate hydration and light food is essential to ensure recovery.
Classic dengue only becomes dangerous if it evolves into hemorrhagic dengue, however these cases are rare and can be controlled with adequate he alth care.
Dengue treatment
The dengue virus does not have a particular treatment, this condition disappears by itself from our body normally after 7 days. However, medication can be taken to reduce the symptoms associated with this condition such as fever, headaches or muscle aches, in these cases over-the-counter antipyretics such as paracetamol or acetaminophen are the most indicated medications.
You should never take aspirin or pain relievers such as ibuprofen, This type of medication hinders blood coagulation, which can be potentially dangerous in cases of dengue in which, precisely, the body is faced with the condition of not being able to coagulate the blood properly due to the decrease in platelets.
In addition to medication to control fever, some useful recommendations will facilitate the patient's recovery and guarantee their he alth, keep reading because in the next step we will explain what you need to know.
Recommendations for a quick recovery
To recover from classic dengue it is essential that:
- Keep resting, rest is necessary to increase your platelet count and overcome this virus.
- Keep yourself adequately hydrated, don't forget that drinking water in small sips constantly will not only help you lower your fever, but it will also allow you to avoid dangerous dehydration. Other foods like chicken broth can improve your hydration and provide you with some helpful nutrients.
- You can take warm baths to reduce fever and reduce muscle pain. This will also help you feel comforted.
- Even if you don't feel hungry, eating a little will help you stay strong against this disease. Natural juices, soups, broths, soda or crackers, and lightly toasted bread are excellent alternatives to feed you.
- In addition, there are some foods that can help you improve your platelet count and increase it, which will favor your recovery. In our article foods to raise platelets we explain in detail what they are.
This article is merely informative, at ONsalus.com we do not have the authority to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to go to a doctor in the event of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
