Dengue fever, also known as break bone fever, is an infectious tropical illness caused by the dengue virus. There is medical therapy or specific treat...
Dengue fever,
also known as break bone fever, is an infectious tropical illness caused by the dengue virus. There is medical therapy or specific treatment for dengue fever. So, the only treatment of dengue fever is to treat its symptoms. Health experts recommend supportive care with analgesics, fluid replacement and complete rest for the sufferer.
Considering that there is no treatment available currently, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued Guidelines for Treatment of Dengue Fever/Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever, which is being followed in all medical institutions to treat the self-limited illness.
The management of dengue hemorrhagic fever includes the following:
1. Transfusion of blood or platelets on a regular basis, to correct bleeding problems.
2. Intravenous (IV) fluids change to treat electrolyte imbalances.
3. Oxygen therapy may be pursued to correct abnormal low blood oxygen.
4. To treat dehydration, rehydration is done with intravenous (IV) fluids.
5. In case of severe fever, supportive care in an intensive care unit/environment
6. Acetaminophen dosage is given to treat severe fever.
7. No steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and aspirin are avoided.
If one is susceptible to dengue virus acquisition, they must ensure to reduce the risk of
Full-coverage clothing – Cover yourself completely, especially when you are visiting mosquito-infested areas. Make sure you are wearing a long-sleeved shirt, socks and shoes.
Cleanliness and Sanitation – Ensuring there is standard sanitation in and around your place of living. Make sure that water is not getting accumulated in your surroundings. Stagnant water is the breeding ground for mosquitoes. Make sure that areas close to your place are well-maintained.
Mosquito Repellents and Sprays – Use a mosquito repellent containing N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) to eliminate the mosquito vector. Permethrin, an effective repellent, can be applied on clothes, shoes and bed netting, as a shield against vector mosquitoes. To avoid skin complications, make sure that you are using a repellent that contains at least a 10 percent concentration of DEET.
Indoor and Outdoor Activities – Make sure that your place of living is air-conditioned and well-screened, which is essential to keep mosquitoes out at night. As far as outdoor activities are concerned, avoid being outdoors at dawn and dusk time, when more mosquitoes are out.
Living or travelling in tropical areas and prior infections with a dengue fever virus put you at greater risk of developing dengue fever. Therefore, health experts advise following guidelines to prevent the incidence of illness.
