Dengue, as we all know, is a viral illness transmitted to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes. This year, due to heavy rains, water-clogged roads, and damp walls and household furniture have given rise to dengue cases across India despite several measures. State authorities continue to ask people to be vigilant and many have urged people to donate blood amid rising cases.
While there is no specific medicine or vaccine to cure a dengue infection, rest and hydration is what experts recommend. Most importantly, people should not ignore the key symptoms or mistake them for other illnesses. Delayed diagnosis can prove detrimental affecting the treatment process. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Prashant Bhatt, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Patiala, shares some key points to remember while tackling a dengue infection.
Also Read: What Time Of Year Is Dengue Most Common In India? Measures To Stay Safe
Fever Is A Common Symptom Of Dengue Among Others
As dengue cases rise, it is advised not to ignore mild and persistent fever, says Dr Bhatt, emphasising on the potentially life-threatening characteristics of the disease.
According to the doctor, the earliest signs of dengue include fever, headache, and joint pain, which might be mild and easily misdiagnosed as common diseases.
“Fever is one of the most common symptoms of dengue infection. It usually happens suddenly and can last for several days and individuals may have severe headaches, joint and muscular discomfort, and exhaustion in addition to it,” he notes.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore A Mild But Persistent Fever
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), dengue is most prevalent in tropical and sub-tropical climates and about half of the world's population is now at risk of dengue with an estimated 10-40 crore infections occurring each year.
The most common concern when it comes to dengue fever is that it can often be misdiagnosed with flu-like symptoms or with other common infections. However, it is crucial to consider dengue as a possibility, particularly during outbreaks, says Dr Bhatt.
“Ignoring these indications can have serious implications. A dengue fever can quickly develop into more severe forms such as Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which can cause internal bleeding, shock, and organ failure,” warns the doctor, adding, “Seeking medical assistance as soon as possible not only increases your chances of a better outcome, but it also helps to reduce the transmission of dengue to others in the region.”
As per the WHO, severe dengue symptoms include:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Persistent vomiting
- Rapid breathing
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Fatigue
- Restlessness
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Being very thirsty
- Pale and cold skin
- Feeling weak
How To Differentiate Between A Normal And A Dengue Fever
Although a normal and a dengue fever may have overlapping symptoms, which can make it difficult to differentiate between the two, there are some notable distinctions between them:
A viral fever is a fever caused by one of several viral infections such as the flu or cold that generally starts with mild symptoms and gradually the temperature rises and is accompanied by symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, congestion, and mild joint or muscle pain.
Dengue fever on the other hand is caused by a dengue virus infection. The aedes aegypti mosquito spreads it from person to person and is a self-limiting illness. The intensity of the infection is determined by the strain of the virus with which you are infected. These suddenly starts with high fever frequently exceeding 104* F. Dengue fever causes a significant fall in platelet levels, which must be maintained through a good diet for 7-10 days.
The most important difference is that, a normal viral fever does not result in deaths as it does not impact the platelet count, which is a key component of the human immune system.
Bottomline
Dengue fever can start mild, but can quickly turn severe and become life threatening. Amid rising dengue cases, it is important to take any sign of fever seriously. Get yourself tested and check for your platelet counts. Make sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Eat a healthy, balanced diet, and do not indulge in any strenuous activity. Remember, do not wait for symptoms to get worse.
