Dengue Fever Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Diagnosing dengue fever is often done through physical examination, assessing the symptoms, blood tests, and sometimes an ultrasound. Once confirmed, further treatment is determined.
That treatment can consist of or include oral re-hydration therapy at home, closely monitored through follow-up. Hospitalization to administer intravenous fluids and/or blood transfusion, and Paracetamol may be given to suppress fever and to alleviate pain.
During recovery, diuretics may have to be taken, since a fluid build-up in the body can occur which could affect the brain and cause decreased level of consciousness or prompt seizures. Severe itching, slow heart rate, and another rash can occur during the healing phase, as well as fatigue which can last for several weeks after recovery.
What makes Dengue fever even more dangerous is the fact that it consists of four different types. Infection with one type can result in permanent immunity against that particular virus strain and protection against the others for a short period. If then infected with a different type, the symptoms and complications are often very severe.
The best prevention is to eliminate the mosquitoes and decrease exposure of the body to mosquito bites. Empty containers, pots, etc., with still-standing water, use mosquito nets and insect repellents such as DEET, and wear protective apparel.
There is no specific cure for dengue fever, although research is all over it and the hopes are high to release a dengue vaccine which covers all four types by 2015. The development for effective, antiviral drugs to treat and prevent severe complications is ongoing.
One thing you can always do is pray. It doesn't require much time and effort and although it is a small thing to do, it is the most effective!
2 John 1:3
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
That treatment can consist of or include oral re-hydration therapy at home, closely monitored through follow-up. Hospitalization to administer intravenous fluids and/or blood transfusion, and Paracetamol may be given to suppress fever and to alleviate pain.
During recovery, diuretics may have to be taken, since a fluid build-up in the body can occur which could affect the brain and cause decreased level of consciousness or prompt seizures. Severe itching, slow heart rate, and another rash can occur during the healing phase, as well as fatigue which can last for several weeks after recovery.
What makes Dengue fever even more dangerous is the fact that it consists of four different types. Infection with one type can result in permanent immunity against that particular virus strain and protection against the others for a short period. If then infected with a different type, the symptoms and complications are often very severe.
The best prevention is to eliminate the mosquitoes and decrease exposure of the body to mosquito bites. Empty containers, pots, etc., with still-standing water, use mosquito nets and insect repellents such as DEET, and wear protective apparel.
There is no specific cure for dengue fever, although research is all over it and the hopes are high to release a dengue vaccine which covers all four types by 2015. The development for effective, antiviral drugs to treat and prevent severe complications is ongoing.
One thing you can always do is pray. It doesn't require much time and effort and although it is a small thing to do, it is the most effective!
2 John 1:3
Grace, mercy, and peace will be with you from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love.
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