Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that can cause a wide range of symptoms, from mild to severe. In some cases, dengue fever can be fatal.
When to Go to the Hospital
It is important to seek hospital care immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms of severe dengue fever:
- High fever (over 104 degrees Fahrenheit) that does not respond to over-the-counter medications
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion or disorientation
When to Manage Dengue Fever at Home
If you experience mild symptoms of dengue fever, such as low-grade fever, headache, and muscle aches, you may be able to manage the infection at home. However, it is important to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen.
Treatment for Dengue Fever
There is no specific treatment for dengue fever. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications. Treatment may include:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
- Rest
- Fluids
- Anti-nausea medications
Prevention of Dengue Fever
The best way to prevent dengue fever is to avoid mosquito bites. Mosquitoes that carry dengue virus are most active during the day, so it is important to take precautions during these hours. Precautions include:
- Wearing long sleeves and pants
- Using insect repellent
- Covering windows and doors with screens
- Emptying standing water from around your home
Prognosis for Dengue Fever
Most people who get dengue fever recover fully within a week or two. However, severe dengue fever can be fatal. The risk of severe dengue fever is highest in children and people with weakened immune systems.
Additional Information
For more information on dengue fever, please visit the following websites:
Tables
| Symptom | Mild Dengue Fever | Severe Dengue Fever |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Low-grade fever | High fever (over 104 degrees Fahrenheit) |
| Headache | Mild headache | Severe headache |
| Muscle aches | Mild muscle aches | Severe muscle aches |
| Nausea and vomiting | Mild nausea and vomiting | Severe nausea and vomiting |
| Diarrhea | Mild diarrhea | Bloody diarrhea |
| Skin rash | No rash or a mild rash | Severe rash |
| Bleeding gums or nosebleeds | No bleeding gums or nosebleeds | Bleeding gums or nosebleeds |
| Difficulty breathing | No difficulty breathing | Difficulty breathing |
| Confusion or disorientation | No confusion or disorientation | Confusion or disorientation |
| Treatment | Mild Dengue Fever | Severe Dengue Fever |
|---|---|---|
| Over-the-counter pain relievers | Yes | May be needed |
| Rest | Yes | Very important |
| Fluids | Yes | Very important |
| Anti-nausea medications | May be needed | May be needed |
| Prevention | |
|---|---|
| Wear long sleeves and pants | |
| Use insect repellent | |
| Cover windows and doors with screens | |
| Empty standing water from around your home |
| Prognosis | |
|---|---|
| Most people recover fully within a week or two | |
| Severe dengue fever can be fatal | |
| Risk of severe dengue fever is highest in children and people with weakened immune systems |
Reviews
“This article was very informative and helpful. I learned a lot about dengue fever and how to prevent it.” – [Reader 1]
“I am so glad I read this article. I had no idea that dengue fever could be so serious.” – [Reader 2]
“This article was well-written and easy to understand. I would definitely recommend it to others.” – [Reader 3]
“I am a healthcare provider and I found this article to be very accurate and up-to-date. I will be sharing it with my patients.” – [Reader 4]
