Signs of severe dengue fever

Specialist Doctor 2 Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of the City Children's Hospital (HCMC) said that dengue fever is an infectious disease caused by the Dengue virus. Aedes mosquitoes are the intermediate insects that transmit the disease. The disease occurs year-round, often increasing in the rainy season. The disease occurs in both children and adults. The disease can lead to death if not diagnosed early and treated promptly.

Signs of dengue fever are sudden, continuous high fever that is difficult to reduce. Other symptoms include headache, loss of appetite, nausea, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, pain in the eye sockets...

"If you see your child has a high fever for more than 2 days and shows one of the following signs, you need to take them to the hospital immediately. Signs of worsening include fussiness, restlessness, tossing and turning, or lethargy, abdominal pain, nosebleeds, bleeding gums or vomiting blood, black stools, cold hands and feet, lying in one place, not playing, refusing to breastfeed, refusing to eat or drink...", Dr. Tien shared.

What should be noted when taking care of children with dengue fever?

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), some cases of dengue fever can be monitored at home. However, monitoring at home must follow the doctor's instructions.

- Reduce fever: Actively cool down. When fever needs to be reduced with medication, Paracetamol can be used as directed by your doctor. Do not use Aspirin or Ibuprofen to reduce fever on your own.

- Eat: Liquid, easy-to-digest foods. Do not eat or drink foods or drinks that are black, red, or brown.

- Drink: Drink plenty of water to compensate for the amount of water lost due to high fever and poor diet. You can drink nutritious drinks from fruits and milk to provide more vitamins, minerals, and energy.

- Re-examination: According to doctor's appointment or immediately when symptoms worsen.

A 4-year-old child with severe dengue shock syndrome and multiple organ failure complications was treated at the City Children's Hospital.

PHOTO: BSCC

Watch for signs of worsening

According to HCDC, the fever-free stage (usually on the 5th - 7th day of the disease) is the stage when the disease often progresses severely. It is necessary to pay attention to monitor signs of worsening disease:

• Stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.
• Signs of bleeding: Nosebleeds, bleeding gums, vomiting blood, blood in urine, bloody stools or black stools, vaginal bleeding in women.
• Cold hands and feet, fever gone but still tired, in children need to pay attention to signs of lethargy.
• Altered perception (agitation, drowsiness, convulsions…).

When the patient has one of the above signs of worsening, take them immediately to the nearest medical facility for appropriate treatment.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-dau-hieu-nhan-biet-benh-sot-xuat-huyet-tro-nang-185241124155858274.htm