Media
Articles
Dengue: What to do once you have it

Many areas in the Philippines are targeted by mosquitoes, especially those surrounded by still water or stagnant water. Coincidentally, some of the mosquitoes in our country carry dangerous diseases. Dengue is one of the main diseases they cause.

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease that is endemic in 100 countries, commonly in Tropical and Sub-tropical places such as the Philippines. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. Dengue symptoms can be mild to severe. The disease has no treatment but can be managed early with supportive therapy.

Here are some tips that one can do:

Give the patient Paracetamol

Dengue fever is characterized by a high fever and a headache.

The medication can be given to control the fever and relieve the headache and muscle aches/pain.

Due to the increased risk of bleeding in dengue patients, drugs including aspirin, ibuprofen, and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatments should be avoided. Instead of helping the patient, they may induce difficulties.

Give the patient plenty of fluids

Water, juice, and rehydration fluids help prevent dehydration brought on by fever or vomiting. Men and women aged 18-30 should drink at least 2.7 liters of fluids per day. The dose is the same for younger men, while 2.2 liters for younger women.

Give the patient sufficient rest and sleep

The main defense against dengue fever, aside from drinking enough fluids, is getting adequate sleep and rest. Every day, give the patient plenty of time to rest since he might struggle to conduct basic tasks like eating and walking around the house because of her weakness. Bring goods that the patient will require to the bedside, such as water, cold wipes, medicine, clothing, and simple recreational items.

Prepare soup and nutritious food

To replace the vitamins, minerals, proteins, and lipids lost to the body owing to dengue fever, feed the patient protein-rich foods like chicken, fish, eggs, and other dairy products. Leafy vegetables can be added to the meal for added nourishment.

Another option is to prepare soup for the patient. Its warmth comforts the eater and provides short-term strength. The soup and broth also aid in the elimination of pollutants.

Take the patient to the hospital

Through the course of the disease, it is important to be in constant communication with your doctor for proper guidance and monitoring.

The patient can be sent to the hospital right away if his condition does not improve. In fact, taking him to the hospital before the dengue becomes worse is a smart idea so that he can receive the medicine that is suited for his condition.

To avoid complications, run the patient to the hospital immediately if he experiences nosebleeds, increased fever, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, cold hands and feet, irregular urination, and hives. If you want to learn more about the symptoms of Dengue Fever and how to detect it early, contact Medgate’s specialist doctors.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dengue-fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20353078

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue

https://www.healthline.com/health/dengue-fever

https://www.cdc.gov/dengue/symptoms/family.html