By : Dr. Samayug Bhowmik, Bureau Chief-ICN West Bengal
KOLKATA : There has been a recent outbreak of Dengue fever and an alarming spurt in the number of cases. Its morbidities and mortalities has made it mandatory for one and all to be equipped with relevant guidelines to manage a dengue victim.
Remember, a stitch in time saves nine
If a patient has fever, low or high grade, he must be tested for Dengue along with Malaria and Complete Blood Count.
Do blood test after 24 hours of onset of fever, not before that.
Once dengue is detected, do the following:-
Inform your local municipal service and your Doctor.
Advise him/her to take rest as much as possible under a mosquito net cover.
Take Paracetamol or acetaminophen to control fever and relieve pain.
NEVER TAKE Aspirin or Ibuprofen or Nimesulide to get relief from pain,fever or body ache.
Diet should be the usual balanced one.
Intake liquids- more water,ors, soup,fruit juice not less than 1.5 to 2 times than usually consumed daily.
Do Blood Test for Platelet Count and Hematocrit daily from 4th day onwards.
Inform your doctor daily and follow his advice accordingly.
For mild symptoms, take utmost care at home. But the victim may develop severe symptoms within few hours. Thus keep close watch.
Check Blood Pressure at least twice daily.
Severe dengue is a medical emergency.
Although, Dengue is a self limiting viral disorder still about 1 in 20 people will develop severe dengue.
Severe dengue may develop in the following cases:-
A.Victims with co-morbidities.
- If anybody has had dengue in the past, he/she is more likely to develop severe dengue.
- In this current spell of Dengue, severity is being found more in previously Covid-infected patients.
D.Infants and pregnant women are at higher risk of developing severe dengue.
Warning signs and symptoms of severe dengue usually begins 24–48 hours after your fever stops.
Victim may complain of any one or more of the following symptoms.
Feeling of extreme tiredness , restlessness or irritability.
Abdominal pain.
Vomiting (at least 3 times in 24 hours)
Chocolate or Black spots over skin.
Bleeding from the nose or gums.
Reddish urine.
Vomiting blood, or blood in the stool.
Severe dengue can produce shock, internal bleeding, and even death.
Try to be more cautious and remember what is needed is timely intervention and necessary action. Be cautious and save lives.
Thank you all.