Dengue fever is an acute viral illness transmitted through mosquito bite, presenting frequently with fever, headache, pain in limbs & eyes and rashes. Dengue is a self limiting disease and does not have any specific medication. Fever usually subsides in 3-7 days. Most patients have mild disease and can be managed in OPD with close monitoring. Complications occur in 1% of patient only, usually 4-5 days after starting of fever.
The following is a set of advice to help you and your family to manage dengue fever at home. Please note that the list is not exhaustive.
1. Ensure that you have adequate rest. Drink enough fluids like water, lemonade, ORS, juices to  prevent dehydration.
2. Protect yourself and your household members from mosquito bites, e.g. by using mosquito repellent or mosquito coils.
3. Dengue can make you prone to bleeding. Therefore, you should watch closely for  any of the following signs:
- Gum bleeding after brushing your teeth
- Nose bleeds
- Easy bruising
- Sticky black stools
- Vomiting of blood – this could be either fresh blood or altered blood which resembles coffee-coloured substances
- Increased menstrual bleeding
4. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Sweating, with cold, clammy hands and feet
- Repeated Vomiting
- Excessive Restlessness or Lethargy.
5. In young children since chances of complications are higher, doctor may advise you hospitalization.
6. Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs such as brufen , diclofenac (mefenamic acid) as they may cause gastric erosions or ulcers and subsequent bleeding and exacerbate any bleeding tendency that you may develop.
7. Platelet transfusion is required only if less than 10,000 or in case of active bleeding.
8. You need regular follow-up by your doctor until he/she informs you that you no longer require close monitoring.
9. If you feel unwell at any time, please go to a clinic or hospital immediately for further evaluation and management
Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital Wishes you a speedy recovery.
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