Dengue Fever

​How Can You And Your Child Be Managed At Home?

Majority of the cases are mild and self-limiting; requiring no hospitalization.

Bleeding Prevention & Control

Rest in bed and reduce activities like running around and avoiding sports to reduce the risk of falls and injury, thereby preventing unnecessary bleeding. Your child may also need to avoid brushing his teeth if his platelet counts are very low as this may lead to gum bleeding. Distract them from digging their noses or blowing their noses hard.

Assessment

• Your child may require blood test to be done daily to assess the platelet level and blood concentration (as it can be normal during the first few days of fever)
• The blood test can be done at polyclinics or GP clinics

There is no antibiotic or anti-viral medication for dengue fever. The treatment is mainly supportive and for relief of symptoms. The main components of management of dengue fever are:

Fluid / Water Replacement

• Children about 1 year old or > 10 kg, should drink at least 1 litre of fluids a day
• Children > 40 kg or adult, should drink at least 2 litres of fluids a day

This is because

• Fever increases water loss from body
• Dengue fever causes the blood vessels to be leaky and increases water loss from the blood circulation

Symptom Relief and Fever Control

• Painkillers (e.g. paracetamol) may be given to relieve pain and control fever
• Avoid aspirin (or other medications such as ibuprofen and diclofenac suppositories that affect the platelet functions)
• Medications may be given for nausea and vomiting

When Do You Or Your Child Need To Return To Hospital?

• Blood platelet count is less than 80,000
• Bleeding from the nose or gums without any injury
• Unwell (lethargic/ drowsy/ breathing difficulty)
• Vomiting or poor feeding / drinking
• Severe abdominal pain and giddiness, as these can be signs of DHF / DSS.

Hospitalisation may be considered when you or your child is presented with the above conditions.

Assessment, Observation And Treatment During Hospitalisation

• Blood tests are done daily to assess the platelet level and blood concentration
• Vital signs (e.g. pulse rate, blood pressure) are monitored to detect any potential complications of dengue fever mentioned earlier
• Intravenous fluid drip may be required
• Platelets or blood transfusion may be given if the spontaneous bleeding or if the platelets level is critically low (below 20,000 and dropping)