Dengue fever is a disease that often attacks people in the tropics, including Indonesia. Dengue fever, also known as DHF, is caused by a virus carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito .
DHF has similar symptoms to other diseases, so it is often misunderstood and treatment is delayed. One of the most visible symptoms is the appearance of red spots on the sufferer's skin. However, now the medical world has found that not all DHF patients show symptoms in the form of red spots. The following are other early symptoms that can indicate a person has DHF.
- Decreased appetite and always feel tired
In the early stages, DHF sufferers will feel a loss of appetite accompanied by digestive problems. As a result, the body lacks nutrients so that it becomes weaker, gets tired easily, and the body's immune system also weakens.
- Sudden high fever
In contrast to fever caused by other viruses, fever due to DHF occurs suddenly and is quite high. In some cases, DHF sufferers can experience a fever of up to 40 degrees Celsius. Another difference from DHF fever is the absence of symptoms of sneezing and coughing. This fever period can occur in the early phase of DHF for 2-7 days.
- Muscle and joint pain
In the past, dengue fever was known as " break-bone" disease. This term arises because the sufferer will feel excruciating muscle and joint pain until all the bones feel cracked. This muscle and joint pain occurs after the symptoms of fever appear. Because of the extreme pain, the body of a DHF sufferer will shiver and sweat constantly.
- Headache and pain behind the eyes
Symptoms of fever in DHF sufferers are generally followed by severe headaches. This headache is felt around the forehead area. Not infrequently the pain is felt to the back of the eye. This extraordinary pain in the head and behind the eyes makes it increasingly difficult for sufferers of dengue fever to get enough rest.
- Nausea and vomiting
Not only is it complicated by loss of appetite, it is also increasingly difficult for the body of a person with dengue fever to get nutrition because of the constant feeling of nausea. Even though they have forced themselves to eat, DHF patients will tend to regurgitate the food they have consumed. Symptoms of nausea and vomiting are also followed by discomfort in the stomach and back. Usually nausea and vomiting occur for 2-4 days.
These five symptoms of DHF, if not treated immediately can be fatal for the sufferer. For this reason, it is important to get checked out immediately if you or someone close to you experiences some of these symptoms.
If the doctor has diagnosed dengue fever, the hospital can provide treatment so that the body does not get weaker. Decreased appetite and nausea followed by vomiting can be treated by administering an infusion so that the body does not lack nutrients and fluids.
On the other hand, fever and pain all over the body can be treated by administering pain relievers. You should not give any dose of medicine. You can ask for recommendations from doctors and hospitals by consulting first. The goal is to get the type of pain reliever in the right dose according to the condition of the DHF sufferer.
Even though doctors and hospitals can provide appropriate treatment for DHF, the best thing you can do is start with preventive measures. To prevent dengue fever, make sure the environment around where you live is always clean. You should also cover water containers and cover up stagnant water so that it doesn't become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. That way, you can help protect yourself and those closest to you from dengue fever. #LiveExcellently