What is Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is a viral illness spread by mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti. This disease is common in tropical and subtropical areas. It can cause flu-like symptoms, and in some cases, it can become much more severe.

How Do You Know If You Have Dengue Fever?

Symptoms of dengue fever usually start 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Here’s what to look out for:

• High Fever: A sudden high fever, sometimes reaching up to 104°F (40°C).
• Severe Headache: Intense pain in your forehead.
• Pain Behind the Eyes: A deep ache behind your eyes.
• Muscle and Joint Pain: Severe pain in your muscles and joints.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up.
• Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired.
• Skin Rash: A rash often appears a few days after the fever starts.
• Mild Bleeding: Bleeding from your nose or gums or easy bruising.

How to Prevent Dengue Fever

Preventing dengue fever is about avoiding mosquito bites and preventing mosquitoes from breeding. Here’s how:

1. Get Rid of Standing Water: Mosquitoes lay eggs in stagnant water. Empty or cover containers like buckets and flowerpots that can hold water.
2. Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes, especially during early morning and late afternoon.
3. Use Nets and Screens: Put screens on windows and doors, and sleep under mosquito nets if possible.
4. Stay Indoors: Stay in air-conditioned or well-screened rooms to keep mosquitoes out.
5. Community Clean-Up: Help your community clean up areas where mosquitoes might breed.

What to Do If You Have Dengue Fever

There’s no specific medicine for dengue fever, but you can manage it with the proper care:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions or electrolyte drinks are helpful.
2. Relieve Pain and Fever: Use acetaminophen (like Tylenol) to help with pain and fever. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as they can increase bleeding risk.
3. Rest: Get plenty of rest and avoid strenuous activities.
4. See a Doctor: If symptoms get worse or if you have severe abdominal pain, bleeding, difficulty breathing, or signs of shock, seek medical help immediately.

Dengue fever can be severe, but knowing the symptoms and how to prevent it can help you stay safe. Taking precautions to avoid mosquito bites and seeking medical care if needed can protect yourself and help keep dengue fever in check. Stay informed and stay healthy!