Tips for Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is caused by a virus carried by mosquitoes. Most cases of dengue fever are mild and go away on their own after about a week

Common signs and symptoms of dengue fever include:

• high fever can go as high as 104°F
• pain behind the eyes and in the joints, muscles and/or bones
• nausea, loss of appetite and stomach pain and vomiting
• severe headache
• rash over most of the body

Dengue fever treatment is like any other viral fever:

• Plenty of rest.
• Medication to control fever and body pain.
• Maintaining hydration by taking plenty of fluids (water ORS, butter milk, coconut water, juices) Dehydration can lead on to shock and complications.
• There is no medication required to bring up platelets count. Normal nutritious food is best.

Danger signs of dengue:

The critical phase of Dengue is 1-2 days after the fever subsides or any time during the fever if the child looks very sick. Child should be shown to doctor if any of the following signs occurs

• Refusing to accept oral fluids or vomiting
• Sleepy or restless
• Bleeding of the nose and gums, or blood in vomit or stool..
• Abdominal pain
• Cold sweating skin or cold hands and feet.
• Absence of urine in the last 6 hours
• Platelet count tends to go down in dengue, but if child is taking adequate fluids, passing urine well and does not have any other danger signs, then there is nothing to worry.