The number of COVID-19 sufferers is rising again. However, it is not only the disease caused by the corona virus that you need to watch out for, the dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) outbreak also needs special attention.
Yes, dengue fever is also on the rise. Not just adults, mosquito-borne diseases Aedes aegypti it also attacks children.
Symptoms of DHF
In children, the symptoms of dengue usually start to be felt about 4-10 days after being bitten by a mosquito that causes dengue fever. These symptoms can last for 2-7 days. Symptoms of dengue fever in children can be recognized by high fever up to 40 degrees Celsius. During the febrile phase of DHF, there are at least 2 of the following additional symptoms:
• Severe headache
• Pain behind the eye
• Pain in bones, muscles and joints
• The appearance of a rash or red spots over most of the body. Usually appears on the third day
• Nausea and vomiting
• Swelling of the glands.
In children, the fever may go down for 1 day, but then rise again. One thing to note, Moms should not be careless when the child’s body temperature drops. The reason is when the fever is going down, the child actually enters a critical period because at that time he is at risk of experiencing severe dengue.
In severe cases of dengue, the symptoms will certainly worsen and can be fatal. When your baby enters the heavy dengue phase, he is at risk of leaking blood vessels, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity or lungs, and severe bleeding. Symptoms of severe dengue that you need to watch out for include:
• Severe stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting constantly
• Bleeding gums
• Hard to breathe
• Hands and feet feel wet and cold
• Fatigue and restlessness.
Dengue fever is not a disease that can be underestimated. Without proper treatment, this disease can be fatal. Therefore, Moms are strongly advised to immediately consult a doctor if you find symptoms of DHF in your little one.
At a milder level, children with dengue fever do not need to be hospitalized. Even so, Moms need to carry out special supervision. Make sure your child gets adequate fluid intake and nutrient-rich foods, especially protein. Your little one also needs to get rest during the healing period. If the severity of dengue fever is already worrying, then your little one needs to get special treatment at the hospital.
DBD vs COVID-19
At first glance, the symptoms of dengue fever and COVID-19 look similar. However, there are some differences to note, namely:
1. Cause
DHF is caused by four related dengue viruses, namely DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. The virus is mainly transmitted to humans through the bite of a species of mosquito Aedes aegypti infected.
On the other hand, COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus or corona virus. The disease is transmitted primarily from person to person through droplets which is spread when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
2. Incubation period
The incubation period for DHF ranges from 3-10 days, usually 5-7 days. The incubation period for COVID-19 is estimated to last up to 14 days, with an average of 4-5 days from exposure to the onset of symptoms.
3. Mild symptoms
Unlike the symptoms of DHF mentioned above, the symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body pain
• Headache
• Loss of ability to feel or smell
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose or runny nose
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea.
4. Heavy phase
Meanwhile, the severe phase of COVID-19 includes, among others:
• Hard to breathe
• Hypoxia (low oxygen levels in body cells and tissues)
• Respiratory failure
• Shock.
Considering that dengue is no less dangerous than COVID-19, you need to take preventive steps, such as draining puddles around the house, regularly draining bathtubs and water reservoirs, installing mosquito nets on windows, and using insect repellent according to the instructions. (Wieta Rachmatia/SW/Dok. Freepik)
Tags: dengue fever, aedes aegypti, dbd, covid-19, child, toddler –
