Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (often abbreviated as DHF) is a disease caused by the bite of the female Aedes aegypti mosquito . Common symptoms include sudden high fever, nausea, vomiting, and rashes on the skin. Symptoms appear starting 4-6 days after infection and can last up to 10 days.
The dengue virus can enter the patient's body through the bite of an infected mosquito. After entering the human body, the dengue virus will react with the patient's immune system. Even though it is not a rare disease, people still believe in several myths related to dengue fever. Come on, look at the following myths and facts related to dengue fever so that we can be vigilant together.
- Everyone can only catch dengue fever once in a lifetime
This myth is not true. There are 4 different types of dengue viruses. Therefore, if we have been infected once, there is still a possibility to be infected again with another type of virus. Usually when a person receives a second or third "attack", the dengue fever experienced can be more severe than when he was first infected.
- Transmission of the virus through physical contact between humans
This myth is completely wrong. Humans cannot transmit the virus directly to other humans. In fact, only female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes can transmit the virus through bites. The mosquito will transmit the virus after biting a previously infected human. Therefore, dengue fever cannot be spread directly from one person to another.
- Dengue only affects people over 45 years old
In fact, this disease does not look at age. Anyone can catch the dengue virus. Indeed, dengue fever has a worse impact on the elderly when compared to people aged 45 and under. The main reason is because the immune system of the elderly is naturally weaker than young people.
- Dengue hemorrhagic fever must be given antibiotics.
Basically, dengue hemorrhagic fever is a viral infection that will heal spontaneously within 7-10 days. The treatment given is symptomatic, meaning only to reduce patient complaints. The main treatment is in the form of intravenous fluids and febrifuge. Antibiotics are only given when there is an infection by bacteria.
- Fogging is enough to prevent transmission of dengue hemorrhagic fever
The Aedes aegypti mosquito is very easy to adapt to its environment so it is not easy to die just by fogging . To control dengue , it is not enough just to kill the adult mosquitoes, but also to destroy the eggs. Mosquito eggs will also become adult mosquitoes within 7-10 days. The government program to prevent dengue hemorrhagic fever by Eradicating Mosquito Nests (PSN) is considered more effective in preventing DHF transmission, because not only mosquitoes are eradicated, but also their eggs and nesting sites.
- Drinking papaya leaf juice can cure dengue fever
So far there is no specific drug to cure dengue fever. Papaya leaves can help increase the number of platelets in the blood, but that doesn't mean it can cure dengue. The treatment phase for DHF is fluid administration, close monitoring, and support during the critical phase of the disease.
- Drink guava juice or Angkak so that the platelets rise quickly.
As mentioned earlier, basically after 7-10 days of illness, the dengue infection will clear up on its own. Generally, platelets will start to rise slowly after five days of illness. The research that has been done so far has shown that guava or Angkak juice is not effective as a way to increase platelets. Even so, guava juice or other healthy foods can still be eaten to increase endurance.
From now on, we no longer need to believe in and follow the myths that have spread in society. Let's understand the facts and keep our immune systems and our families healthy.
Article reviewed by dr. Tessa Oktaramdani, Sp.PD (Internal Medicine Specialist at EMC Sentul Hospital).