Dengue Infection - Prevention and Management

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