If I have dengue fever and am monitoring it at home, should I get an IV?

(Ms. Thy Hoa, 35 years old, living in Nhon Trach district)

Doctor replied:

Hello!

Dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by the Dengue virus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This virus has 4 different serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4. A person can get dengue fever multiple times in their life if infected with different serotypes, and subsequent infections can be more severe due to cross-immune reactions.

With symptoms of high fever of 39-39.5 degrees Celsius, body aches, and being diagnosed with dengue fever, you need to closely monitor the progression of the disease in the first 7 days, especially from the 3rd to the 6th day because this is a dangerous stage, complications such as shock, internal bleeding, pleural effusion, organ failure can occur...

Infusion is not recommended, only when there is shock and warning signs such as severe vomiting and inability to drink... and is prescribed by a doctor.

It should be noted that the amount of infusion is calculated in ml/weight. Do not arbitrarily infuse fluids at home without instructions and monitoring from medical staff, because improper infusion can cause circulatory overload or worsen the condition.

Instead, you should rest a lot, drink enough water (filtered water, oresol, fruit juice); eat light, easy-to-digest meals, divided into many small meals. Closely monitor warning signs such as: lethargy, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, frequent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, little urination...

If there are any unusual signs, you should go to a medical facility immediately for timely assessment and treatment. Wishing you a speedy recovery!

Master - Doctor Pham Thi Tam,

Internal Medicine Doctor, Ai Nghia Medical System