Dengue fever is a viral infection that occurs after a mosquito bite. It is also known as break bone fever. The best way to prevent dengue fever is to make your home protective and prone to any sorts of mosquitoes. At present, there is no cure for dengue fever but there are some preventive measures that one can adapt to combat this disease.
What are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever?
The symptoms of dengue differ from person to person and depend on the severity of the infection. But mostly this is a disease that is very hard to pinpoint. This is because, in the majority of cases, people might not experience any symptoms at all.
Mild Symptoms of Dengue
Given below are some of the mild symptoms of Dengue:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Pain behind eyes
- Rashes
- Muscle ache
- Joint pain
- Red eyes
- Facial flushing
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Red eyes
The mild symptoms tend to last between 2 to 7 days. People often feel better after this time period. During this period the fever might spike, then get normal and then might spike again.
Severe Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Severe symptoms of dengue fever are often life-threatening and might lead to serious consequences if not attended to at the right time.
These symptoms are as follows:
- Blood in vomit
- Severe abdominal pain
- Nose bleeds
- Gum bleeding
- Blood in stool
- Changes in temperature
- Fatigue
- Tiredness
- Cold Skin
- Weak or rapid pulse
- Restless or irritability
- Reduced difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure
If your doctor suspects any of the above-mentioned symptoms then he or she might suggest you a PCR dengue test. Make sure to check the dengue test price in your area for that.
Here are Important Things that You Need to Know about Dengue
This Fever is Most Common in Sub-Tropical and Tropical Areas
Dengue outbreaks are most common in areas such as
- Middle east
- Asia
- Pacific Islands
At present the only continent with no direct case of dengue is Antarctica. The mosquito that is responsible for dengue outbreaks is most common in the summertime when the mosquito is highly active. It can occur anywhere anytime as long the weather allows the survival of these vectors.
Some of the hotspots for dengue fever are given below:
- Southeast Asia
- Southeast china
- Indian subcontinent
- Pacific Islands
- The Caribbean with Cuba and Cayman being the least affected areas
- Africa
- Central and South America
Dengue Fever is Spread by a Specific Breed
Dengue fever is spread through the bite of the Aedes mosquito. This specific breed of mosquito tends to breed in clean and stagnant waters thus making households the perfect place for their growth.
Clear waters are present in the water bottles, containers and the waste that has been discarded. Another thing is that they tend to grow in dark and humid places such as closets, under beds and behind curtains.
Dengue Fever Tends to Transmit in Different Ways
There are several ways in which dengue fever is spread. The first and most popular one is mosquito to human in which the carrier mosquito bites a human and transfer the virus. And if the mosquito was not carrying the virus then it enters their bloodstream.
This virus can then also transfer from a pregnant mother to her unborn baby.
It is possible to Get Infected by this Fever More than Once
For all those who are wondering about whether they can get infected by the dengue virus more than once. The second infection is often characterized by a higher risk because of the remnants of the first one.
There is No Cure for Dengue Fever
At present, there does not exist a suitable cure for dengue fever. In case there are symptoms of dengue fever such as fever, muscle ache and serious pains then you might need some medications to keep the pain at bay and to cure this disease.
It is Possible to Treat Dengue
You can make some small adjustments in your home to prevent the spread and growth of dengue fever. Here are some tips for your knowledge:
- Make sure to apply mosquito repellent
- Remember to spray insecticides in the dark corners of the room and house
- Make sure to wear full sleeve shirts and trousers when you are outside
- Install mosquito nets in your house
- Ensure that the windows and doors are properly sealed and do not have holes
- Air condition your house, if possible
The Bottom Line
Dengue fever is a preventable disease, although there is no cure for it at the present moment. But if you are feeling a bit under the weather because of the dengue fever then you should consult with your doctor for precautions.
They will guide you about the dietary restrictions that you need to follow to cater to this fever.
