Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. aegypti. In 2022, it was responsible for more than 1000 deaths in Brazil, according to data released by the Ministry of Health. For this and other reasons, it is so important to consume information and prevent the virus from circulating.
But for those who already have the disease, the following question arises: is there a treatment for dengue? Cares for Life interviewed the family doctor, Adriano Brandão, who clarified the matter and detailed what attitudes can help to treat and combat a dengue.
What is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral disease that manifests itself through symptoms such as fever, skin rash (reddish spots on the skin), muscle pain and in the joints. In general, the disease presents a benign course, however, in some cases, it can evolve into a severe form and present serious complications.
How do you catch dengue?
The dengue virus is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. “During periods of rain, there is an increase in standing water reservoirs, which favors the reproduction of the transmitting mosquito. This growth in the mosquito population can lead to a rapid increase in dengue cases, which is known as a disease outbreak,” says the doctor.
What are the types of dengue?
Dengue is caused by four different serotypes of the virus: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. “It is important to highlight that the specific immunity for the virus is not crossed, which means that those who have already had dengue due to one serotype will not be immune to the others and can be infected again. In addition, with each dengue infection, the body’s inflammatory response to the disease tends to be more intense, increasing the risk of complications”, warns the health specialist.
There are different clinical forms of dengue, which can be asymptomatic, mild, moderate or severe, including fatal cases. The most common forms are classic dengue and to fever dengue hemorrhagic fever. However, any condition of the disease can develop into a serious condition. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of warning signs, such as abdominal pain, incessant vomiting, low blood pressure, lethargy, bleeding and changes in blood tests.
Are there treatments for dengue? Know the options and measures
Dr Adriano reveals that there is a treatment for dengue and that it starts with the simple habit of hydrating the body: “Although dengue is a self-limiting disease, it is essential to focus treatment on hydration, in addition to symptom relief. Depending on the patient’s condition, this hydration can be done orally at home, or intravenously in an emergency room or even in hospitals if the patient requires successive evaluations. Even the most stable patients must be clinically monitored frequently.”
To control the symptoms of dengue, it is recommended to use painkiller drugs, for nausea and vomiting. However, it is essential that collective measures are also taken to prevent the proliferation of the mosquito that transmits the disease, the Aedes aegypti.
It is essential that there is a community education policy, aiming to raise awareness and inform about the importance of avoiding the presence of standing water in places that can serve as breeding grounds for the mosquito, in addition to other preventive measures. The engagement of all is essential for the effective control of dengue.
Source: cuidadospelavida.com.br
