There are lots of people getting affected with dengue infection, the severity ranging from mild to severe, even causing death.
As most of you might be knowing dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. The mosquito which spreads dengue is active and bites during the day time and not in the night time. So, it is important to take mosquito preventive measures even during the day time.
The symptoms are fever (mild to high ), backache, headache, eye pain, weakness, rashes, abdominal pain and nausea. Patient can take Paracetamol for fever and body pain but should not take any other painkillers like Aspirin or Combiflam. If fever persists for 2 days, then consult your doctor and get lab tests done.
Monitor Platelet Count:
- In dengue infection we see a drop in the platelet count.
- A normal platelet count is 1,50,000 - 4,00,000. In dengue infection from the first day of fever till 6-7 days there will be drop in platelet count irrespective of what kind of treatment is given. After the 6th or 7th day there will be increase in the platelet count. An increase in platelet count indicates cure from the disease.
- But during the time of illness platelet count monitoring has to be done because it can fall to a very low level and patient may require platelet transfusion in that case. Hence in case of proven dengue infection do repeat platelet count test as advised by your doctor.
Prevention of Dengue:
- As it is caused by mosquito one needs to take measures to control mosquito.
- Do not allow water to be stagnant in and around the house.
- Close the windows especially during day time.
- Keep the comod clean and flushed.
- It is preferable to use medicated mosquito nets especially if there are children or pregnant women.
If you have fever for more than two days, immediately consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician
Last reviewed at: 07.Sep.2018
Though dengue is negative, platelet count is going down with fever. Why?
Query:
Hi doctor,
My son is five years old, and he was suffering from fever, headache and body pain. He also had some rashes on his face and in some parts of the hands and legs. His fever was ranging from 101 to 102.5 degrees. After a couple of days, on medication, his temperature became normal between 97...
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Dr. Faisal Abdul Karim Malim
Child Health Specialist
Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
The report suggests some form of viral infection (attachment removed to protect patient identity). You have ruled out dengue. He has platelets of 160000 platelets per microliter of blood, and it is in a normal range. There is no medicine available to increase platelet c...
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Tests for dengue are negative, then why is the platelet count low?
Query:
Hi doctor,
My father is admitted to the hospital as his platelet count is 8000/cumm. The tests for dengue and NS1 are negative. After injection of 4 units of platelet, his platelet count is 12000/cumm. Then after administering 2 and 4 more units, the platelet count was 23000/cumm and 22000/cumm re...
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Dr. Chelladurai Pandian Hariharan
Neuro Surgeon
Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
This is definitely not normal. Even though dengue antigen is negative, the low platelet count gives suspicion of dengue. The line of management is on the right way. So do not worry. Once the platelet count crosses 25000, we can stop the platelet transfusion. Only freque...
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Can a viral infection increase the ESR level?
Query:
Hello doctor,
I am 30 years old male. My recent blood report shows high ESR level (48 mm/hr). I am having a cough, fever, and a headache since eight days. The doctor told me that I have a viral infection, and has given me antibiotics and a cough syrup. Please guide.
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Dr. Parth R Goswami
Family Physician, General Practitioner, Hematologist, Pathologist
Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
According to the history, you have an upper respiratory tract infection. You need to do the following investigations.
Physical examination.
Auscultation.
CBC (complete blood count).
Throat swab for culture or ASO (antistreptolysin O) titer.
If auscultation is suspicious, ...
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