Dengue Fever is a disease caused by the dengue virus, transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. When an outbreak occurs, the virus spreads rapidly. Although there is currently no antiviral drug to kill the dengue virus, medical advancements have enabled us to prevent this silent and dangerous threat… by receiving the dengue fever vaccine.
How does the dengue virus spread from Aedes mosquitoes to humans?
The transmission process of the dengue fever virus occurs when a female Aedes mosquito bites and sucks blood from a person infected with dengue fever. After that, when the same mosquito bites another person within a distance of no more than 400 meters, the virus immediately spreads to the bitten person. This type of mosquito can bite people both during the day and at night. It is commonly found in breeding sites with stagnant water around homes, such as water containers, jars, vases, saucers under cupboards, cans, coconut shells, old tires, and water-filled holes.
Warning signs that you are infected with the dengue virus
After being infected by an Aedes mosquito for about 5-8 days, you will experience high continuous fever (38.0-40 degrees Celsius) for 2-7 days, flushed face, headache, muscle pain, bone pain, eye socket pain, abdominal pain, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Then, you will start to develop small red spots on the arms, legs, torso, and armpits. There may be nosebleeds and bleeding from the gums. Patients with dengue fever generally have symptoms similar to a cold but usually do not cough or have a runny nose.
Dengue fever… can be prevented
The best way to protect yourself and those around you is to avoid mosquito bites by sleeping under a mosquito net or staying in rooms that can prevent Aedes mosquitoes both day and night, as well as eliminating larvae and destroying mosquito breeding sites.
Dengue fever vaccine, a better alternative
Because sometimes we may be in risky situations, getting the dengue fever vaccine is another way to better protect against dengue virus infection. This vaccine can protect against 4 dengue virus serotypes: dengue-1, dengue-2, dengue-3, and dengue-4. It is recommended for people aged 9-45 years who have previously had dengue fever. However, remember that the vaccine does not provide 100% protection. Taking care of yourself and those around you to avoid mosquito bites remains important.
Care and treatment for dengue fever patients
Currently, there is no antiviral drug for the dengue virus, so patients with dengue fever receive supportive treatment based on symptoms, which includes:
- Wiping the body to reduce fever to prevent seizures
- Giving fever-reducing medication such as paracetamol. “Do not use aspirin” because it can irritate the stomach and increase bleeding risk
- Providing fluids to compensate for dehydration, as most patients have high fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fatigue. They should drink fruit juice or electrolyte solutions in small amounts but frequently
- Eating soft, easily digestible foods
If you suspect a family member hasdengue fever with a high fever over 38.5 degrees Celsius lasting more than 2 days, flushed face, red throat, headache, or eye pain, seek medical attention promptly to reduce the risk of death from dengue fever.
Why choose Phyathai 2 Hospital?
- Ready infectious disease medical team to plan treatment once blood test results confirm dengue fever or other infections
- General blood tests look at white blood cell and platelet counts, which may not be sufficient. Therefore, special tests that provide accurate results within 1.5 hours are recommended for rapid and targeted treatment
- A vaccination center with a team of doctors and nurses ready to provide vaccine services
