Dengue Disease
The Dengue Virus, which is the primary cause of dengue fever, is spread to humans through the bite of infected female mosquitoes, especially the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Tropical and subtropical areas, such as sections of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, are afflicted with this disease.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
A virus called Dengue Fever is spread by mosquitoes and can have a variety of symptoms. Usually starting four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, dengue fever symptoms appear.
Dengue fever symptoms range in seriousness from moderate to extreme Typical signs and symptoms consist of:
High Fever
Severe Headache
The severe headache that is typically brought on by dengue feels behind the eyes. The headache might not go away and could get worse when you move your eyes.
Severe Joint and Muscle Pain
Severe joint and muscle pain is a known side effect of dengue fever. Those who are impacted may have excruciating pain in their bones, muscles, and joints; hence, the term "breakbone fever."
Rash
In certain dengue fever instances, a rash may appear. The rash can spread throughout the body and usually shows up a few days after the fever starts. It's commonly described as a red, maculopapular rash.
Mild Bleeding
There are a few mild bleeding symptoms that dengue can produce, including nose bleeding, bleeding gums, and easy bruising. The virus's effects on platelets and blood vessels cause this to happen.
Pain Behind the Eyes
Dengue fever can cause pain and discomfort behind the eyes, which may worsen with eye movement.
People infected with the dengue virus frequently report
experiencing serious weakness and fatigue.
Vomiting and Nausea
Vomiting and nausea are common side effects of dengue fever
that can lead to dehydration.
Low Platelet Count
The risk of bleeding increases when dengue fever causes a
decrease in platelet counts. Severe cases might develop into the syndrome
of dengue shock or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
It is significant that there is variation in symptoms and that not all dengue virus infections will result in severe symptoms. In addition, the symptoms of dengue can look like those of other viral infections, so it's imperative to see a medical professional for an accurate diagnosis and suitable treatment. Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you think you may have dengue fever, especially if you experience severe symptoms or warning signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, difficulty breathing, or bleeding.
What are the 4 Stages of Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever develops
in four stages, each of which has distinct signs and symptoms. The
following are these stages:
1. The febrile stage
Marked by the start of a high fever, this is
the first stage of dengue fever. This phase often lasts between two and seven
days. People often have a high fever, excruciating headaches (usually behind
the eyes), joint and muscle pain, exhaustion, and occasionally a rash during
this time. Other flu-like symptoms, like chills, sweating, and a general
feeling of malaise, typically accompany the fever.
Critical Stage
Some people move forward to the critical
stage following the febrile stage, which happens around the time the fever goes
down. Between the third and seventh day of the illness is usually when this
stage begins. The febrile stage and the critical stage may occasionally
coincide. People may exhibit warning symptoms at this point, which point to a
higher risk of developing severe dengue. Severe abdominal pain, frequent
vomiting, mucosal bleeding (such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums), restlessness,
lethargy, and an increase in hematocrit—a measurement of red blood cells—are
some of these warning indicators. If any of these warning signs appear, it's
critical to get medical help as they could point to the need for careful
observation and perhaps hospitalization.
Convalescent Phase
The third stage of dengue fever progression, known as the convalescent phase, starts about the ninth day following the start of symptoms. This stage comes after the critical and febrile phases.
The following are important attributes of the convalescent phase:
Duration: The length of the convalescent phase varies from person to person and can last for several weeks. While some people might recover rather quickly, others might need more time to fully regain their health.
Symptoms: The intensity of symptoms progressively decreases during the convalescent stage. Patients frequently report a decrease in other acute symptoms that define the febrile and critical phases, such as headaches, joint and muscle pain, and fever. But during this time, some side effects, like weakness and exhaustion, might still be present.
Fatigue and Weakness: During the convalescent stage, fatigue is a typical symptom. To fight the dengue virus, the body has mounted a massive immune response, and recuperation entails regaining strength and vitality. To support the body's healing process during this phase, adequate rest, healthy eating, and hydration are crucial.
Resumption of Normal Activities: People in the convalescent phase can progressively return to their regular daily activities as their symptoms lessen and their energy levels rise. Still, it's best to hold off on physically demanding activities until the body heals completely.
Diet and Hydration: Keeping a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water are essential for promoting healing. Drinking enough water helps replace fluids lost during the feverish phase, and eating a balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to heal itself.
Watching Warning Signs: Although the majority of people recover completely during the convalescent phase, it's crucial to keep an eye out for any symptoms that may persist or indications of complications. It is imperative to seek immediate medical attention if any unusual symptoms or warning signs recur.
Emotional Well-Being: Going to your emotional well-being is just as important as physical healing in the recovery process from dengue fever. Throughout their illness, patients may feel various levels of stress or anxiety. Emotional support from friends, family, and medical professionals can help patients recover more quickly.
In conclusion, the convalescent phase denotes the progressive healing and symptom relief following the acute phases of dengue fever. As they return to a state of good health, patients must make self-care, rest, and general well-being a priority.
Recovery Stage
After the critical phase passes and the person's condition stabilizes, the recovery stage starts. At this point, the patient's symptoms start to get better and they begin to feel more energized and strong. The time it takes for someone to fully recover can vary; some people may recover in a matter of days, while others may need several weeks. For appropriate care and recovery, it's critical to keep an eye on your symptoms and to heed any instructions from your healthcare provider.
It's crucial to remember that not everyone gets dengue fever in all three stages. While many dengue fever cases recover with complications, some people may experience more severe symptoms like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS). It is essential to have close medical supervision and immediate medical attention, particularly if there are warning signs or severe symptoms.
Reviewed by Healthy Hub Everyday
on
December 12, 2023
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