No:                             AAAAAAAA                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

The Cause:

Dengue is caused by a Flavivirus, and has at least 4 types. The virus is transmitted by the bite of mosquitoes, mainly the species Aedes aegypti. This mosquito breeds in fresh water, and bites during the day.

The Disease:

Contrary to popular knowledge, primary Dengue Fever is a relatively harmless disease, caused due to the child being infected by the virus for the 1st time. The child may have any, or a combination, of symptoms like high fever for 3 to 5 days, severe headache, eye pain, back pain, muscle pain, vomiting and rashes. The immune system of the child reacts to this infection by producing antibodies. Most children produce neutralizing antibodies, which help the child to limit the severity of the disease, and also help to fight it if the virus attacks again.

A few children react to the initial infection by producing antibodies of a different kind, which have disease enhancing effects instead of protective effects. If this child is again infected with the Dengue virus, these antibodies help the virus to multiply faster, which can result in Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF), wherein the child develops bleeding, low platelets and breathing difficulty and if it progresses, Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), a potentially fatal condition if not treated early and aggressively.

Treatment:

Dengue fever is usually a self limiting disease, and treatment is directed towards reducing fever, relieving pain and ensuring that the child takes adequate fluids. Please note adequate fluid intake is most important.

Early recognition and prompt treatment of bleeding and low blood pressure remains the mainstay of treatment of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever, and Dengue Shock Syndrome, and with aggressive treatment most children recover from these two deadly conditions.

A few pointers for parents:  

 Every Fever is not Dengue fever, recurrence of Dengue fever is possible. The commonest fever that   children get at this time of the year is still nonspecific Viral Fever, and there is no need to panic the moment the child develops fever.

General Guidelines during Fever:     

1. Give- Plenty of liquids orally ORS, Coconut water, fresh fruits juices & plain water.
2. Use Paracetamol. 6hrly to keep fever under control.
3. Look for danger signs.
4. Reassess every 24hours (or) SOS.
5. Hospitalization if danger signs appear.
   

Watch out for danger signs:

1. High fever with chills & rigors on D4/ D5.
2. Breathing difficulty- Feeling of weakness, exhaustion, Nausea, Vomiting, reduced Intake
3. Abdominal pain & discomfort, Loose- Stools
4. Bleeds on Skin, Mucosa (oral cavity), & Eye

If you see any of these symptoms, rush the child to the nearest major hospital Pediatric ICU. You can contact your pediatrician on the way, or later, and not waste precious time if he is unavailable or busy.

● However, don't rush your child for admission to hospital on the first Day of fever, as you may end up occupying a hospital bed that may be required for another child whose need is more urgent.