Dengue is a viral infection spread by the Aedes mosquito. It is most common in and after the rainy season. Many people recover at home, but dengue needs medical monitoring, because some develop a severe form.
Common Signs
- Sudden high fever.
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes.
- Muscle and joint pain.
- Nausea, vomiting and a skin rash.
- Tiredness.
Warning Signs That Need Hospital Care
These can appear as the fever comes down, usually on days three to seven.
- Severe, continuing stomach pain.
- Repeated vomiting.
- Bleeding from the gums or nose, or blood in the vomit or stool.
- Drowsiness, restlessness or cold, clammy skin.
- Difficulty breathing.
Go to the nearest hospital at once if any of these appear.
Why Medical Monitoring Matters
Doctors follow the fever, hydration and the blood platelet count, and advise when to be admitted. Please follow your doctor's advice. Do not take painkillers such as aspirin or ibuprofen for dengue unless your doctor says so.
Preventing Dengue
- Remove standing water from coolers, buckets, flower pots, tyres and containers every week.
- Cover water storage containers.
- Use mosquito nets, repellents and screens, and wear full sleeves during the day.
- Keep your surroundings clean.
What Dr. Arpana Highlights
Dr. Arpana explains that dengue is caused by any of four related viruses, spread when the Aedes aegypti mosquito bites an infected person and then bites someone else. In the first two or three days it looks like any viral fever: fever, headache, pain around the eyes and body aches. In the next few days there can be nausea, vomiting and severe muscle pain. A smaller number of people develop dengue haemorrhagic fever, with spots under the skin and bleeding from the nose or mouth. Complications mostly appear after the first five to seven days, so keep watching and get medical care promptly if warning signs appear.
Her prevention advice is practical:
- Keep the house, terrace and garden clean, and remove broken pots and containers that hold water. Change the water in bird bowls and coolers every day, and keep unused coolers dry.
- Fit mesh on windows and doors, use mosquito nets, and wear full-sleeve clothes and socks outdoors, with repellent on bare skin, especially for children.
During a fever she advises staying well hydrated with sips of water, ORS or lemon water (fruit-juice ice lollies for children), eating light, easily digested food such as thin khichdi, and a bath or sponge bath to ease body aches. Dengue needs medical monitoring. No outcome is promised, and homeopathy is not a substitute for medical care.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if it is dengue?
Only a doctor can diagnose it, usually with blood tests.
Can I get dengue twice?
Yes. There are several types of the virus, and a second infection can be more serious.
Is there a specific treatment?
Care focuses on rest, fluids and monitoring. Follow your doctor's advice.
You can read the frequently asked questions or book a consultation.
This article is for general education. It is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or emergency care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital.
