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Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever - How to prevent?

Dengue Fever - Causes and Risk Factors

Can you or your child be managed at home?

Majority of the cases are mild, self-limiting and requires no hospitalisation.

Assessment
  • Blood test is done daily to assess the platelet level and concentration (as it can be normal during the first few days of fever).
  • Blood test can also be done at the polyclinics or general practitioner (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 or water replacement
  • Children about one year old or weigh more than 10kg should drink at least one litre of fluids a day.
  • Children who weigh more than 40kg or adult should drink at least two litres of fluids a day.
    This is because
    - Fever increases water loss from your body.
    - Dengue fever causes the blood vessels to be leaky and increases water loss f rom the blood circulation.
Symptom relief and fever control
  • Painkillers (eg. 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) as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
  • Medications may be given for nausea and vomiting.
Bleeding prevention and control
  • Rest in bed and reduce activities li ke running around and avoiding sports to reduce the risk of falls and injury.
  • Avoid brushing your teeth and traumatising your nose (eg. from digging) when your platelet counts drop below normal levels.
  • If superficial bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure to the bleeding point for several minutes. For nosebleeds, use fingers to apply pressure to the upper part of the nasal bridge (by squeezing) and lean forward.
Note: Seek medical attention whenever there is evidence of bleeding.

When do you or your child need to return to the hospital?
  • Blood platelet count less than 80,000.
  • Bleeding from the nose or gums without any injury.
  • Unwell (lethargic, drowsy or have breathing difficulty).
  • Vomiting or poor feeding/drinking.
  • Severe abdominal pain and giddiness.
Note: Hospitalisation may be considered when you or your child is presented with the above conditions.

Dengue Fever - Treatments

Dengue Fever - Preparing for surgery

Dengue Fever - Other Information

The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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