Dengue Fever: Stages, Test, Treatments, Preventive Measures

What is Dengue Fever?
 

Dengue fever is a viral fever resulting from mosquito-borne viral infection. The Aedes aegypti species of mosquitos is particularly responsible for the transmission of this infection. Stored water sources, like drums, pots, tanks, etc., are their primary breeding
spots. These mosquitos are usually active in the daytime.

When a mosquito bites an already-infected person, the mosquito becomes a carrier. Initially, the virus replicates and multiplies within its body. Next, it moves to the mosquito’s salivary glands. Now, when this mosquito bites another human, they get infected with the Dengue virus.

What Are the Stages of Dengue Fever?

Before moving to the stages, you must understand that the Dengue virus has 4 serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4, each causing different clinical presentation. This infection shows several symptoms. It includes headache, high fever, body pain, rashes, and nausea. The severity of dengue fever depends on your health condition and how many times you have been exposed to the virus. For some, it cures in 1-2 weeks; others might even need hospitalisation.

Dengue fever typically goes through 3 distinct stages.

1. The Febrile Phase

This is when one will have a high fever accompanied by chills, severe headache, deep-seated eye pain, rashes, and body pain. You may also feel weak and fatigued. Usually, this phase lasts for 7 days. Most patients recover without any complications after that. For some, it may follow to the next phase of dengue fever.

2. Critical Phase

This phase generally starts from the defervescence period (the decrease in fever). It can last for around 24 to 48 hours. The warning signs of this phase include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, sudden drop in platelet count, respiratory distress, restlessness, and mucosal bleeding. It may also cause plasma leakage, shock, and organ impairment. Your liver might enlarge by more than 2 cm. There might be an increase in hematocrit with a rapid decrease in platelet count. During this phase, you may experience some serious complications. It includes Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome.

3. Convalescent Phase

This is the recovery phase of dengue treatment. It is marked by a decrease in itchy rashes, stoppage of the systemic vascular leak, and other severe symptoms. It also involves a drop in haematocrit and a sudden increase in white cell count and platelets. Even though most signs subside, the weakness and fatigue may take weeks to disappear totally.

What is Dengue Test

• The ideal time for a dengue test is between 3 to 5 days of the fever. This is when our body’s immunity responds to the virus by producing IgM antibodies. The blood test detects the presence of these antibodies. This report will indicate if you are affected by dengue virus. 

• Dengue fever requires a follow-up test around day 7 or beyond. This test is done to detect IgG antibodies. It is like the memory of our antibody. The report of this blood test indicates if one has a history of dengue fever.

• The reports of both these blood tests often indicate a significant rise in antibody levels. The first sample of the acute illness phase and the second sample of the recovery phase may detect “antibody titers.” This refers to the amount of antibodies present in our blood. Such a notable rise between these two samples may confirm dengue infection.

• If you notice the warning signs of dengue fever or if your locality is facing an outbreak, get this test done at the right time. Sometimes, the infection may not be detected in the initial phase, even though the symptoms prevail. Your doctor may suggest testing a little later for a better diagnosis.

• Remember that early detection means better management. Your doctor will be able to guide you properly with the right medication and lifestyle choices.

• If you suspect dengue fever symptoms, consult your doctor. They will tell you the right time for undergoing this test.

Dengue Fever: Treatment Options

The most challenging aspect of dengue fever is that it does not have any specific antiviral treatment. It mostly includes symptomatic and supportive care. Here are a few relieving methods recommended by an expert consultant:

• The first option is to ensure adequate fluid intake. The symptoms, including high fever, may dehydrate your body. It is necessary to maintain proper hydration for intravascular volume. The fluid choices include water, electrolyte-rich beverages, etc. Depending on the condition, one may need intravenous fluid administration in the hospital.

• The treatment also includes paracetamol. It is a painkiller that can alleviate dengue symptoms. Try to avoid NSAIDs to reduce the risk of bleeding issues. Discuss the medication options with your doctor to ensure they won’t interact with your health condition.

• Suppose a patient develops serious hemorrhagic manifestations or has very low platelet counts (below 10–20k without haemorrhage or 50k with bleeding or haemorrhage) clinical guidelines recommend giving them a platelet transfusion. This is done only under extreme circumstances and proper medical supervision.

• Taking proper rest is a fundamental recovery aspect. Let your body relax to pass the weakness and fatigue away. It will support your immunity to fight against the virus. This, in turn, will stop the symptoms' progression to more severe stages.

Make sure to monitor the warning signs and keep consulting your doctor. As there is no particular treatment option available right now, it is important to stay vigilant.

Dengue Fever: What Are Its Preventive Measures?

Prevention is better than cure in the care of dengue fever. Here are a few basic measures you can take:

• Put your main focus on avoiding mosquito bites. Start wearing covered clothes, including long sleeves and pants, socks and shoes. Consider using mosquito repellent on your clothing. Use mosquito nets, coils, repellents, and things alike to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

• The most effective prevention of dengue fever is to control the mosquito population. Make your home well-screened or air-conditioned with fewer vents for the mosquitoes to come in. Keep the area around your home clean. Dengue virus typically breeds in standing water, like in automobile tires, pots, jars, etc. Get rid of such habitats, and remember to clean containers with standing water at least once a week.

• Efforts made by public health officials are also helpful in restricting mosquito populations. This mainly includes insecticide spraying. If you feel like your locality has an increased mosquito population, contact the professionals for precautions.

• There is another preventive measure, but it is not applicable worldwide. It is the dengue fever vaccine, named Dengvaxia. People between 9 to 45 years of age are eligible for this vaccine. It is given in 3 doses over a 12-month course. You must have a documented history or a blood test report showing previous dengue virus infection for the vaccination.

Better prevention means a lesser risk of dengue infection. However, no amount of precaution can eradicate the chances of getting infected with dengue virus. So, keep monitoring the warning signs, too, to avoid complications. Consulting an expert internal medicine specialist practising at Manipal Hospitals, Mysore can help you keep a check on your health condition.

FAQs

1. What are the early signs of dengue fever?

The indicative symptoms of dengue fever are high fever, headache, and pain in the entire body, muscles, and eyes. Some may also indicate signs like abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, and bleeding. Such symptoms signal a critical phase requiring immediate medical attention.

2. Can I treat dengue fever with antibiotics?

No, dengue cannot be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics are only helpful in bacterial infections, and dengue is a viral infection. Proper monitoring of warning signs, rest, supportive care, fluid intake, etc., can help you get cured.

3. How do I protect myself from dengue fever?

Try to avoid mosquito bites. Keep your surroundings clean and hygienic. Use mosquito nets and repellents. Call for insecticide spraying measures to get rid of the increasing mosquito population.