What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a highly contagious disease that originates from the bite of the Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. This disease is caused by one of the four dengue viruses.
Causes and Risk Factors for Dengue Fever
The two mosquitoes that cause dengue usually infect a person in the morning until late in the evening. Transmission occurs when a mosquito bites and sucks the blood of someone who has been infected with the dengue virus, when the mosquito bites another person, the virus will spread.
Mosquitoes act as carriers of the dengue virus. In addition to mosquito bites, dengue fever is triggered by certain risk factors. Some of these risk factors, including:
- Have a previous dengue virus infection.
- Live or travel to the tropics.
- The people with weakened immune systems like children, infants, and the elderly.
Dengue Fever Symptoms
Generally, the symptoms of dengue fever are mild, and appear 4-7 days after the mosquito bite, and can last for 10 days. Symptoms usually resemble those of the flu, and can get worse if treated too late. Below are some of the symptoms of dengue fever:
- High fever reaching 40 degrees Celsius
- Severe headache
- Pain in joints, muscles and bones
- Feel pain in the back of eye
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Red rash about 2–5 days after fever
- Damage to blood and lymph vessels
- Bleeding from under the skin, gums, and from the nose
Dengue Fever Diagnosis
If a number of the aforementioned symptoms appear, the diagnosis step is carried out by physical examination and medical interview, followed by supporting examinations. Investigations are carried out by examining blood samples in the laboratory. Before the disease gets worse, talk to your doctor if you experience mild symptoms.
Complications of Dengue Fever
Dangerous complications can occur when dengue fever is too late to treat. The following are some of the severe symptoms that indicate if dengue fever has entered a dangerous intensity:
- Signs of bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, bleeding under the skin, black vomit, coughing up blood, or bowel movements with black stools.
- Decreased blood pressure.
- Skin is wet and feels cold.
- The pulse weakens.
- The frequency of urination decreases and the amount of urine that comes out is small.
- Dry mouth.
- Irregular breathing patterns or shortness of breath
A number of these symptoms indicate the condition of DSS or Dengue Shock Syndrome which is a complication of dengue fever. If treatment is not immediately carried out, organ dysfunction that can lead to death may occur.
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Dengue Fever Treatments
Until now there is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Treatment steps are taken to overcome the symptoms that appear, and prevent viral infections from getting worse. Below are some efforts which can be done:
- Prevent dehydration by drinking lots of water.
- Sufficient rest time.
- Consumption of fever-reducing drugs are relatively safe and recommended by doctors.
- Avoid taking pain relievers. This is because these drugs can cause bleeding complications.
- Monitor the frequency of urination and the amount of urine that comes out.
Dengue Fever Prevention
There are some efforts which is can be done to prevent dengue fever, for example:
- Children aged nine to sixteen years should be vaccinated against dengue, three times in six months apart.
- Eradicating mosquito nests carried out in two insecticide fumigations or fogging with a distance of 1 week.
- Drain water reservoirs, such as bathtubs, water bucket, at least weekly.
- Close the water reservoir tightly.
- Recycling goods that have the potential to become a breeding ground for the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
- Set sufficient light in the house.
- Try to install mosquito nets in the house ventilation.
- Sprinkle larvicide powder on water reservoirs which are hard to drain.
- Try to se mosquito nets while take a rest or sleeping.
- Plant mosquito repellent plants at home.
- Stop the habit of hanging clothes.
- Avoid areas prone to infection.
- Wear loose clothing.
- Use an anti-mosquito cream containing N-diethylmetatoluamide (DEET), but do not use DEET on children under 2 years of age.
When should you go to the doctor?
If you have taken precautions, but dengue fever still attacks and interferes with daily activities, immediately visit a doctor at the hospital for a check-up. Treatment as early as possible will help prevent the appearance of more severe symptoms that can lead to death.
There are 3 Phases of Dengue Fever
As we all know, dengue fever is a disease caused by the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito. This disease can be fatal if not treated immediately.
However, the development of dengue fever occurs in three phases, namely the febrile, critical, and recovery phases. Well, it's important to know the critical phase deeper so that you can take the right treatment to prevent life-threatening complications from occurring.
Dengue fever starts suddenly after an incubation period of 5-7 days, and its development occurs in 3 phases, namely:
1. Fever phase (febrile phase)
The initial phase of dengue fever is characterized by symptoms in the form of a high fever that can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius for 2-7 days. In addition, sufferers can also experience several other symptoms, such as muscle, joint and bone pain, headache, sore throat, nausea, and red spots appear on the skin.
In this phase, the doctor will monitor the number of platelets (platelets) with the patient, because usually the platelet count will decrease drastically, to less than 100,000/microliter of blood. This decrease can occur in a short time, which is 2-3 days.
Be careful, dengue fever can also become severe at the end of the febrile phase which is characterized by symptoms such as persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, fluid accumulation, difficulty breathing, lethargy or restlessness, and an enlarged liver. This condition is a serious condition that requires emergency medical treatment.
2. Critical phase
In the critical phase, the high fever experienced by the sufferer will gradually subside. Most sufferers think they have recovered, even though a decrease in body temperature is not a sign of recovery. On the other hand, sufferers are entering the most dangerous period in which life-threatening complications can occur.
The critical phase is the period in which the blood vessels leak blood plasma, the effect of which causes signs of bleeding in the skin and other organs, such as nosebleeds, gastrointestinal bleeding. This is what actually causes the body temperature to decrease. The discharge of red spots is one of the typical symptoms in the critical phase.
The critical phase of dengue fever can begin between 3-7 days from the febrile phase and lasts for 24-48 hours. In this phase, body fluids need to be monitored closely so that there is no deficiency or excess.
In this phase, the sufferer needs to get medical treatment as soon as possible. The reason is, sufferers are at risk of experiencing shock or a drastic drop in blood pressure, as well as bleeding that can lead to death if not treated immediately.
3. Recovery Phase
The recovery phase begins 48–72 hours after the critical phase. In this phase, the patient's condition will improve and the hemodynamic status (blood flow in the body's circulatory system) is also stable. Fluid that comes out of the blood vessels will also return to the blood vessels.
That's why keeping the patient's body fluids so as not to excess is very important. This is because, excess fluid in the blood vessels can lead to heart failure and pulmonary edema which can lead to death.
In the recovery phase, the platelet level of the sufferer will also increase rapidly to reach 150,000/microliter of blood, but then will return to normal levels.
Quick Treatment
Actually there is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Patients are only advised to maintain good fluid intake and get plenty of rest. Patients should also avoid medications, such as aspirin or any medication that contains aspirin and other anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) because they have anticoagulant properties.
Fever symptoms can be overcome by taking acetaminophen or fever-reducing drugs prescribed by a doctor.
Well, that's an explanation of the critical phase of dengue fever. If you have a high fever that is suspected as a symptom of dengue fever, you should immediately consult a doctor. To do an examination, you can also make an appointment with a doctor at the hospital.
4 Fruits For Prevent Dengue Fever
Papaya, oranges, pomegranate, and coconut are the types of fruit that are recommended to prevent dengue fever. Not only preventing, this type of fruit is also good for consumption to treat dengue fever in order to recover faster.
In addition to COVID-19, dengue fever is a condition that must be watched out for nowadays.
Health facilities that are currently focusing on COVID-19 cases, their attention is divided because of dengue fever cases. That is why it is so important to prevent before treating. One of them is to eat foods rich in antioxidants to boost the body's immune system. l
So, what fruits are recommended to be consumed to prevent dengue fever?
1. Papaya
Papaya flesh is known to be rich in fiber and rich in vitamin A. Vitamin A not only maintains eye health but also strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
In addition to papaya flesh, papaya leaves are also a good choice for maintaining health. How to consume it, crush papaya leaves and squeeze to take the juice. Its extract can increase the number of platelets. Alternatively, you can also boil papaya leaves in water and drink the solution. It is the best home remedy for the treatment and prevention of dengue fever.
2. Pomegranate
Pomegranates are rich in essential nutrients and minerals that provide the body with the energy it needs. Consumption of pomegranate reduces fatigue and lethargy. Pomegranate is a rich source of iron, so it is very beneficial for blood production. That is why pomegranate helps in maintaining a normal blood platelet count which is very important related to dengue fever.
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3. Orange
This is a fruit that rich in vitamin C that can build a strong and resilient immune system. Why ?? Vitamin C helps increase the production of white blood cells, which are the body's cells that play a role in fighting disease. That is why when you are sick it is recommended to take vitamin C.
Because vitamin C is full of antioxidants that protect the body from free radical damage. Oranges are one of the fruits that are rich in vitamin C. Consuming citrus fruits regularly can help prevent illness, including dengue fever.
4. Coconut
One of the causes of dengue fever can be severe complications is dehydration. Therefore it is very important to keep the body hydrated at all times. Drinking water is good, but coconut water has more nutrients, electrolytes, so it helps flush toxins and regulate fluid balance in the body. In short, head water can help restore the body.
Other foods as health support.
In addition to the fruits mentioned above, you are also recommended to eat spinach. Spinach is rich in beta-carotene, antioxidants, and vitamin C. This green leafy vegetable can boost your immune system and improve your digestion.
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As an alternative to spinach, you can eat broccoli. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin K, it can helps regenerate blood platelets. If there is a sharp decrease in the number of platelets, then broccoli should be included in the daily diet. Broccoli is rich in antioxidants and minerals that are effectively useful for preventing and repairing damage to body cells.
Damaged body cells can make the body more susceptible to diseases, one of which is dengue fever. Ginger is also an immune-boosting food. Ginger can help in treating sore throat, inflammation, nausea which are other symptoms of dengue fever.
That's information about the fruit that is consumed to prevent and treat dengue fever. If you need more detailed information regarding the handling of dengue fever during the current pandemic, please write a comment. Thank you.
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Source: Health Articles