What to do next if one is tested positive for dengue?

Question

Hello doctor,

A relative of mine is admitted to a local hospital and tested positive for dengue. His platelet count was checked thrice. The first time they checked it was yesterday afternoon, and the count was 83,000. The second time they tested him yesterday evening and the count was 81,000. The third test was done today morning and the result was 79,000. The clinical assistants said they are not able to ensure an increase in the platelet count. We are too tensed. Meanwhile, the WBC has steadily increased from 3600 to 5400. Please tell me what we can expect? Is it serious? The patient is active, walking, talking, and eating fine. He only has joint pains and rashes.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Fever with body ache is one of the typical symptoms of dengue fever.

There is absolutely no need to worry as long as the platelet count is more than 20,000 per microliter of blood. Only if this threshold is crossed, there is a risk of bleeding. Even in such situations, there is an option of giving donated platelet transfusions.

There is no need to do a platelet count so frequently. If you count once a day, that is enough.

Give him plenty of fluids and Paracetamol if there is fever or body ache.

Do not get worried about the present situation.