What to Do If You’re Diagnosed with Dengue: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting diagnosed with dengue could be alarming. The bite of the Aedes mosquito causes dengue

and can lead to dengue symptoms like high fever, skin rashes and, in extreme cases, dengue

haemorrhagic fever. If not handled properly, dengue could lead to serious complications.

In this article, we will explore what is dengue, dengue symptoms, how to treat dengue

and the best dengue treatment food to help in recovery.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a viral fever infection transmitted through the bite of the female Aedes mosquito that is

infected with the dengue virus. These mosquitoes are generally active during early morning and late afternoon

hours and breed in stagnant water found in containers, pots, or puddles.

Also know more about dengue fever

What are the Causes of Dengue?

To know how to treat dengue, it is vital to comprehend what causes dengue, which are:

• The dengue virus (DENV), transmitted through the bite of the infected female Aedes mosquito.
• Poor sanitation and lack of mosquito control efforts.
• Stagnant water around homes and workplaces, creating breeding sites for mosquitoes.
• Urban overcrowding and limited access to clean water.
• Lack of awareness about mosquito prevention and protection.
• Increased outdoor exposure during mosquito active hours.

What are the Symptoms of Dengue?

Recognising dengue symptoms early and following proper care guidelines can significantly reduce

complications and speed up the healing process. The following are different symptoms of dengue:

• Severe headache, especially behind the eyes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Mild bleeding, such as nosebleeds or bleeding gums
• Sudden high fever (often up to 104°F or 40°C)
• Intense joint and muscle pain (often called “breakbone fever”)

How is Dengue Diagnosed?

If one suspects that they have dengue based on dengue symptoms, their healthcare provider

will recommend tests for dengue to confirm the infection. Following are the various tests for dengue:

1. NS1 Antigen Test – Detects dengue virus protein in the blood during the first few days of infection.
2. IgM and IgG Antibody Tests – IgM indicates a recent infection, while IgG suggests a past or secondary infection.
3. Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Helps monitor disease progression by checking for low platelet and white blood cell counts.

How to Manage Dengue?

To know how to treat dengue, looking for early signs and dengue symptoms is essential.

After a positive test for dengue, here is a guide that outlines important steps for recovery:

1. Prevent Mosquito Bites: Use mosquito nets, repellents, wear long sleeves and eliminate stagnant water.
2. Maintain Proper Hydration: Drink clean water, fruit juices, and oral rehydration solutions regularly.
3. Take Adequate Rest: Crucial for recovery and preventing complications.
4. Eat Nutritious Food: Include healthy dengue diet foods such as fresh fruits (papaya, oranges, guava),

   vegetables, soups, natural juices and coconut water.

5. Maintain a Light and Frequent Diet: Recommended foods include boiled vegetables, soft cooked rice,

   and protein-rich foods like eggs, tofu, or dal.

6. Monitor Symptoms Closely: Watch for warning signs like persistent vomiting, bleeding, or breathing difficulty.
7. Follow Medical Advice Strictly: Always follow your doctor’s instructions based on symptoms and dengue test results.
8. Continue Care: Even if fever drops, continue hydration, nutrition, and follow-up tests if advised.

Being diagnosed with dengue can be overwhelming, but with the right information and care, full recovery is possible.

Knowing what is dengue, recognising early dengue symptoms, and getting timely tests for dengue are the first steps

towards effective treatment. There is no specific antiviral drug for dengue, but proper rest, hydration, and nutritious

dengue treatment food can greatly support healing.

If one experiences symptoms of dengue, they must consult their healthcare provider and book a test with

Dr Lal PathLabs for proper diagnosis.

FAQs

1. What is the fastest way to treat dengue?

There’s no specific antiviral cure, but the fastest way to recover is through rest, staying well-hydrated,

and eating immunity-boosting dengue treatment foods like fruits, soups, and papaya leaf extract.

Always follow your doctor’s advice.

2. Which test is best for detecting dengue early?

The NS1 antigen test is best for detecting dengue in the first 7 days of symptoms.

It helps confirm the infection early so that treatment can begin right away.