7 Warning Signs of Dengue Fever

Introduction

The bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes transmits a viral disease called dengue fever. The symptoms of dengue fever include a high temperature and influenza-like symptoms. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is one of the most severe illnesses that can result in bleeding and a sharp drop in blood pressure. Dengue, also known as bone-breaking fever, can lead to excruciating joint and muscular pain. Check out this blog to learn about the 7 warning signs of dengue fever.

What Are the 7 Warning Signs of Dengue Fever?

Following listed are 7 warning signs of dengue fever:

Persistent High Fever

Persistent high fever above 100.4 F is a sign of dengue. It is also known as the seven-day fever. If the fever relapses over a week, then you need to consult your doctor to undergo an evaluation.

Severe Headache

Severe headache is among other dengue symptoms of dengue fever. The pain spreads bilaterally and moves in response to recurrent occurrences. Do not self-medicate for severe headaches without first seeking medical advice.

Intense Body Ache

Dengue fever signs also include severe body aches and also name bone-break fever. As the viral infection spreads into the muscles, that causes body aches. In addition, the pain affects the muscles and joints, including the back, mouth, and limbs.

Unprecedented Rashes

After the infection begins, red and purple rashes without a known cause are another sign of dengue. It may result in skin bruising, which could indicate internal bleeding beneath the epidermis. Therefore getting a clinical consultation is the best option for getting treated for underlying disorders spread by mosquitoes.

Recurrent Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are among the signs of dengue. They affect the intestinal wall and gut health. You can have regular diarrhoea and pain from an aching abdomen. These are among the intermediate 7 warning signs of dengue fever.

Prolonged Fatigue

Long-lasting fatigue is one of the symptoms of dengue, sometimes also called break-bone fever. Your muscles are infected by the dengue virus, which causes inflammation and ongoing body aches. The pain may last for over weeks.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Dengue infections can harm lymph nodes throughout your body. In addition to being visible by a swollen neck area, it produces acute inflammation.

Consult your doctor if you have these dengue symptoms for an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment of any already present symptoms.

What are the Common Dengue Symptoms?

Initially, many people with dengue may not show any symptoms. The symptoms typically appear within a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Dengue causes a high fever of around 104° F with the following symptoms.

• Chest and throat rash
• Rashes
• Intense pain behind the eyes
• Swollen glands
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Muscle, bones, and joints pain
• Nausea

Severe Dengue (Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever) Symptoms

Severe dengue symptoms typically manifest 24 to 48 hours after your fever. If you notice the following symptoms, head over to the closest emergency.

• Frequently Vomiting
• Stomach/ abdominal pain
• Nose bleed or bleeding gums
• Extreme tiredness or irritability
• Blood in the stool

What is the Dengue Fever Treatment?

Dengue fever has no specific therapy. Patients should relax, drink plenty of water, and consult a doctor. Paracetamol is the ideal dengue fever treatment for these symptoms. Painkillers and fever reducers can treat fever symptoms, supportive care, and muscle aches and pains.

If the patient has the following signs, call the doctor right away.

• Dry mouth and lips
• Lethargy or confusion
• Cold or clammy extremities
• Decreased Urination
• Few or no tears

Although there is no particular treatment for dengue fever, some mild symptoms can be treated by:

• If you get signs of dengue, especially if you intend to travel, let your doctor know immediately.
• Take time to rest.
• If you are in discomfort and have a fever, see your doctor.
• Drink a lot of water to be well hydrated. For best results, take electrolytes in addition.
• In case of minor symptoms, consultation calls with a doctor will also instruct you on taking care of yourself.

How to Conduct Dengue Test?

Doctors typically advise testing for a complete blood count if you suspect dengue symptoms. The patient must submit to conclusive testing, such as the non-structural protein 1 (NS1) test, immunoglobulin G/M tests, or polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, to determine whether the dengue virus is present in the blood. The doctors suggest the following tests to identify dengue.

Dengue NS1 Antigen

The dengue virus can be detected in blood samples at an early stage of infection. This blood test must be completed within the first five days following the onset of the symptoms.

Immunoglobulin Test M (IgM)

This dengue test looks for antibiotics in the blood, which appear in the early stages of dengue fever. This test is not advised for secondary dengue infection as the levels of IgM are low.

Immunoglobulin Test G (IgG)

This test is used to detect the dengue virus infection in the later course because the level of IgG in the blood tends to increase slowly. The antibiotics in the blood remain for around 90 days or more. To determine primary and secondary dengue infections, these IgM/IgG tests are commonly used.

Dengue RT - PCR Test

This primary test can be done in the early course of infection. If this test is done in the first five days after the symptoms appear, it can provide positive results. This test detects the viral genome in the blood.

How Much Does a Dengue Test Price?

The dengue test price may vary based on the location. The charges are affordable for dengue tests at around 800-1200.

When to Consult a Doctor?

Visit your doctor right away if you or a family member exhibits any of the following warning signs: discomfort in the stomach or the abdomen, vomiting, bleeding gums, or from the nose.

Conclusion

Without immediate medical attention, dengue fever symptoms can be severe. Never ignore these 7 warning signs of dengue fever mentioned in the blog post because prompt treatment reduces the chance of mortality. Visit your doctor soon to receive the necessary care on time.