Dengue fever is mainly prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, the Americas, Australia and Asia. Caused by a mosquito-borne virus called flavivirus. Some infants and children may develop ‘dengue hemorrhagic fever’, which is a severe and fatal variation and involves circulatory shock and failure.
In most cases, the symptoms of dengue are seen after four to six days from the infection and last for almost ten days.
Your doctor will diagnose dengue fever with a simple blood test to check for antigen or antibodies for virus. If you have recently travelled to a tropical area and are feeling sick, tell the doctor all your symptoms and travel history.
If diagnosed with dengue, you will be prescribed pain killers containing acetaminophen. You need to take complete rest, more fluids, and stay in touch with your doctor. In severe conditions, there might be a need for hospitalization, so your health is monitored constantly.
