Dengue fever is a mosquito-related illness that is affecting millions of people across the globe. This particular problem is particularly dangerous for the children which makes it very much critical for the parents to recognise the signs and symptoms related to it very early. Dengue fever usually presents children with a good number of symptoms which can be mistaken for other childhood problems which is the main reason that understanding the unique characteristics is very important.
In very simple terms dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that is generally present in tropical and sub-tropical regions. This will manifest very high fever, and flu-like symptoms which is also the main reason why it is famous by the name breakbone fever. This particular virus will be spread through mosquito bites but will never be transmitted from one person to another. In this particular case will usually last for approximately 3-8 days after the infection and the temperature in this case will be more than 104°F in combination with the headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and distinctive rashes on your skin. Following are the most important stages of dengue fever and children as recommended by the pediatric doctor:
- Febrile: This particular phase is the initial stage that will be having the fever around 40°C in addition to the symptoms related with flu. Children in this particular case will be facing the problem of headache, sore throat, pain in the eyes, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting. Muscular rashes and skin rashes will be very much common after onset of one or two days of fever.
- Critical phase: During this particular stage the fever will be lasting usually 3-7 days and the temperature will drop around 37.5°C. This particular phase will manifest the increased capillary permeability which will last for 1-2 days. Parents in this particular case need to take the concept of platelet count very seriously because it could be dropping very drastically if not paid attention to
- Recovery phase: This particular stage will begin when the fever will be dropping and lasts for approximately 2-3 days and the final stage will involve the gradual reabsorption of the fluids that will be leading to improvement. Careful monitoring is very important in this case because the children will not be developing any kind of complications.
The following are the most important options that you need to know about the treatment of dengue fever in children:
- It is important to go for rest: It is very much the basic responsibility of the parents to make sure that children are getting enough of rest and are avoiding the stressful activities.
- Maintaining hydration is important: To avoid dehydration the children should always focus on drinking plenty of fluids including the oral hydration solution, water, fruit juice and other associated things as recommended by the doctor. On the other hand, if the child is unable to drink the fluid, then it highlights the chances of severe dehydration hospitalisation could be very important for fluid replacement and close monitoring.
- Management of the fever: Over the counter pain reliever like paracetamol will be helpful in reducing the fever and discomfort and pain should avoid giving aspirin to children because it will be increasing the risk of bleeding throughout the process.
- Hospitalisation: For some of the cases the paediatric clinic experts will recommend you proceed with hospitalisation because these cases might be too severe to be managed and the intensity could be very high. So, in such cases, the platelet monitoring and infusion of the low platelet count has to be carried out in addition to the blood transmission if required in some of the intense cases. Apart from this, the parent should also focus on keeping an eye on the warning size like persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain or bleeding because if all of these happen then immediate medical attention is critical.
Some of the very basic prevention points that you need to take into account for managing the dengue fever are:
- The parents must always focus on using the insect repellent containing the DEET on the exposed skin so that things are very well sorted out.
- It is recommended the parents use insecticide-treated material like the window curtain.
- It is very much important for the parents to develop the habit of dressing the children and loose fitting and long sleeve shirts with pants.
- It is very much critical for the parents to control the mosquitoes around the home by removing the standing water body and using the screen on the windows and doors.
- It is recommended for the parents to cover the stored water into buckets and pots very appropriately to make sure that they never convert themselves into the breeding ground of the dengue fever mosquito.
- At the time of travelling to the endemic areas the family must always focus on remaining in air-conditioned rooms in addition to the usage of bed nets whenever required.
- Children from the age group of 9-16 years with previous cases of dengue fever must be eligible for vaccination in certain regions that you need to enquire and take very seriously right from the beginning.
Hence, it is very much recommended for people to make sure that everyone gets rid of the myths associated with dengue fever because normally people believe that due to their past history, they won’t be affected later on in their life but actually it is not so. A second infection with different symptoms could be worse than the first one and will increase the risk of complications like shock syndrome or other associated problems. So it is very much recommended for people to avoid any end of stereotypes surrounding the dengue fever and getting in touch with the doctors at hospitals for ladies will be highly recommended in such cases so that management of the dengue fever will be very efficiently and proactively done. By following the guidelines the families can easily remain prepared for facing the challenges of dengue fever and ensure the wellness of children right from the very beginning.
