How to Provide Immediate Care for Dengue Patients

A person starts having problems a few days after being bitten by a dengue infected mosquito. These problems last for a few weeks and then get cured. The problems caused by dengue are as follows -

• High fever 
• Headache 
• Muscle pain 
• Pain behind the eye
• Joint pain 
• Chills 
• Skin rashes 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Sweating 
• Nose or gum bleeding 
• Swelling of glands 
• Red spots on the skin
• Low white blood cells 
• Flushing 
• Pain in the throat Pain in the stomach or back 
• Loss of appetite 

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Dengue is caused by four types of viruses that are spread by two species of mosquitoes. It is believed that the dengue virus came from monkeys to humans many years ago. Until some time ago, dengue was not considered a big problem because its cases were less. However, in today's time, many cases of dengue are reported every year and many people also die from it.

The dengue virus does not spread from one person to another, it spreads only through mosquito bites. If a mosquito bites a person infected with dengue, then he gets infected with dengue. After this, the person whom this mosquito bites will also get dengue. Once infected, the mosquito remains infected with the dengue virus until it dies.

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You can also get dengue more than once in your life. If you get dengue again, there is a greater risk of the problems caused by it increasing.

(Read more - Abdominal pain in dengue and its treatment)

There is no medicine or treatment available for dengue at present, but you can do the following first aid for its symptoms -

• Drink as much fluids as possible, so that there is no shortage of water in your body. Apart from water, you can drink fresh juice, soup and coconut water. 
• Giloy can be used to strengthen the immune system of a person with dengue. Take the stem of Giloy and boil it in some water and drink that water. 
• For body pain and fever, you can take paracetamol or Tylenol available at medical stores. 
• Papaya leaves increase the platelets present in the body and problems like body pain, chills and nausea are reduced. For this, you can crush papaya leaves and drink its juice. 
• To reduce fever, you can also put wet bandages on the person's body. 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like aspirin and ibuprofen should not be given in dengue because it increases the risk of internal bleeding in the body. 
• Turmeric improves a person's metabolism and the symptoms of dengue are cured quickly. For this, you can drink milk by adding a little turmeric to it. 
• While drinking water in dengue, keep in mind that instead of drinking tap water, drink water from a closed bottle. 
• It is very important to rest in dengue. Keep in mind that doing too much physical work can increase your symptoms. 

(Read more - Which fruits should be eaten in dengue?)

Go to your doctor immediately in the following situations if -

• Bleeding is coming from the gums or nose. 
• There is severe stomach pain. 
• Vomiting repeatedly.
• Blood is coming in the stool or urine. 
• Red or purple spots are appearing on the skin. 
• Vomiting blood.
• The color of the stool is black. 
• There is bleeding inside the skin, which looks like bruises from the outside. 
• Having difficulty breathing. 
• The heartbeat is very fast. 
• Feeling drowsy or sleepy. 
• Someone nearby is having a seizure. 
• Someone nearby suffering from dengue has fainted. 
• Skin color is becoming pale. 
• Feeling more tired.
• Breathing is happening. 
• You are becoming irritable. 

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The first aid for dengue mainly includes controlling fever and pain and keeping the body hydrated. Give the patient plenty of water, coconut water, and fluids like soups and juices to prevent dehydration. Medicines like paracetamol can be given to reduce fever and pain, but aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided as they can increase bleeding. Let the patient rest and give light and nutritious food to maintain immunity. If the patient experiences persistent fever, abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, or weakness, contact a doctor immediately. There is no specific treatment for dengue, so timely identification and proper care can prevent serious complications.