As parents, you have undoubtedly been trying to protect your kids from the complex illnesses causing concern across the globe. Among these epidemics, dengue fever is a severe threat that has been increasingly infecting people, irrespective of age. Dengue fever in children is a serious issue that is alarming to parents. Keeping your family safe from dengue is a high priority, and so we are going to give you some very useful insights on how to recognize the symptoms of dengue and care for kids who have contracted this disease.
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The disease is spread by four different strains of the dengue virus: Arenavirus, Filoviridae, Bunyaviridae, and Flavivirus. These strains are carried by female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, which bite people mostly during the day.
Dengue fever poses a significant health risk, and anyone who is infected has to be provided with timely treatment to avoid harsh complications. Let's look at the warning signs to look out for in the case of dengue fever:
Children who have tested positive for dengue fever have exhibited many symptoms. The top 7 warning signs of dengue fever in children are:
● High Fever: One of the earliest indicators is a sudden high fever going to 104°F (40°C), which starts abruptly and lasts for almost a week. The fever is hard to control and does not seem to reduce even after 2-3 days.
● Severe Headache: Children experience a severe headache, which is quite unbearable, and they appear extremely weak.
● Pain Behind the Eyes: A distinguishing sign, this retro-orbital pain worsens with eye movement.
● Muscle and Joint Pain: Dengue fever is also known as breakbone fever due to the intense pain it causes. The pain is so extreme that it severely limits the child's ability to move or perform day-to-day activities.
● Rashes on body parts: Look out for rashes on different body parts. If they look similar, you may mistake the rash for measles.
● Profound fatigue and platelet count decrease: Your normally active and busy child becomes too dull and tired, even after the fever is long gone. Blood tests can show the blood platelet counts, and if a sudden decrease in the same is noted, it is better to get tested for dengue fever.
● Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite follow the fever and cause the child to suffer from dehydration if unnoticed.
Did You Know
Dengue fever does not spread from person to person, as many fear. Mosquitoes that feed on an infected person's blood spread the disease as they bite other people.
Now that we know the general symptoms exhibited, let's move on to see what can be expected day by day:
● Sudden fever
● Mild muscle and joint pain
● Pain behind the eyes
● Intense headache
● Persisting high fever
● Beginning of body rash
● Continued muscle and joint pain
● Mild bleeding, like gum bleeds or nose bleeds
● Pronounced nausea and vomiting
● Possibility of dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS)
● Fever appears diminished, which is actually a deceptive phase where it looks like the child is recovering.
● Several warning signs include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, and difficulty breathing.
● Severe complications like plasma leakage, excessive bleeding, and organ impairment may occur if left untreated.
● Symptoms reduce, and improvement in health begins.
● The rash becomes prominent and spreads to other parts of the body.
● Fatigue remains, but an increase in energy levels is seen.
● Improved appetite and better hydration are experienced.
For Your Information
If your child is showing fever symptoms, look for the signs of dengue fever and take action within the first three days. This will help protect your child from further complications if they go undetected.
Early diagnosis and careful management of the patient are the most crucial aspects of dengue treatment for both children and adults. Supportive care with lots of rest and fluids is the primary approach.
● Fever Management: If you suspect dengue, seek medical advice immediately. The pediatrician will provide appropriate medication to keep the fever under control. Avoid self-medication, as the chances of bleeding due to reactions to medications are higher.
● Hydration: Keep your children well hydrated and ensure they do not become dehydrated. Your child should also be given oral rehydration solutions, coconut water and fresh fruit juices.
● Rest: Allow the children to rest as much as possible. Provide ample rest so the body can fight the infection and become stronger.
● Monitoring: Monitor your child closely and be aware of the symptoms. Report any unusual symptoms to your doctor immediately, and always be prompt with reviews. Regular monitoring of vital signs, blood counts, and overall clinical status should be assessed carefully.
● Hospitalisation: In cases of severe complications, hospitalization will be required. For full recovery, intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, and medical monitoring in the ICU may become necessary.
Proper identification and timely treatment are required for your child to overcome dengue fever. The recovery phase is particularly important to ensure the disease does not recur. Completing the treatment is not enough; you should pay attention to the child's health for several months afterwards and provide healthy nutrition to regain strength and energy. Combating dengue fever is a long-term process, and updating your doctors will benefit your child.
Supportive care is the best treatment for dengue fever. Proper nutrition, adequate rest, complete hydration, and timely medication under medical supervision will help your child fight the infection.
Look out for a sudden high fever, rapidly rising to around 104 degrees. Your child may initially appear fatigued with a severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and pain behind the eyes.
Early consultation with a healthcare provider to bring the fever under control would be the first line of treatment. Also, careful monitoring of symptoms is required to prevent further complications.
The fastest way to recover from dengue is to stay hydrated, rest adequately and maintain a nutritious diet. Proper medication from a doctor and regular follow-ups are necessary for a complete recovery.
