Likely cause
Dengue spreads during monsoons by the bite of female aedes mosquito, it usually bites in the day time
What to watch for
Always watch for danger signs- pain abdomen, excessive fatigue, headache, vomiting, purpuric rashes on the body, bleeding from gums, blood in vomit/cough, redness in the eyes
What you can do
After confirming its dengue (by IgM dengue ELISA test and NS1 antigen test), check platelet count and Hematocrit on alternate days , if danger signs present then get admitted immediately, keep hydrated well (water, coconut water) around 4-5 litres / day, if bleeding present get platelet transfusion , if platelet < 10 then get platelet transfusion, don’t panic if platelet is above 10 and there’s no bleeding, only watchful waiting is required
Check LFT and KFT to check for organ dysfunction
The fluid of choice is crystalloids- 0.9% NS of ringers’s lactate (RL) - the choice depends on lab paramaters- avoid RL if patient is in acidosis/ hyperkalemia/ liver dysfunction
Avoid NS If chloride level is high
When to see a doctor
Sudden severe headache
Persistent vomiting
Persistent pain abdomen
Blood in vomit / cough
Jaundice
Decreased urine output
Bleeding from gums / nose
Abdomen distension
This is general information from a verified doctor and is not a diagnosis or a substitute for an in-person consultation. In an emergency, seek immediate medical care.
