can i get dengue twice - #13926
I am super worried about something that's been on my mind lately. Last summer, I was diagnosed with dengue and it was really tough. Fever, joint pain, the whole nine yards. My doc said I’d be immune after that, but I was chatting with a friend who said “can I get dengue twice?” and now I’m freaking out. I've heard that there are different strains, and I can't shake the feeling that I might end up with it again. I remember being laid up, just feeling like I couldn’t move, and I really don’t want to go through that again. Did anyone else here get dengue and then get it again? How does that even work? Is there a chance I could be safe now or should I be avoiding places where it's common like the plague? I mean, I thought once you have it, you’re done for good, right? Can I get dengue twice from a different strain or is that just a myth? The thought of dengue creeping back into my life is really stressing me out! Any advice or experiences would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
You can indeed get dengue more than once. Dengue fever is caused by four related but distinct viruses, known as serotypes. Having dengue once can give you immunity to the specific serotype that caused the infection, but not to the others. Unfortunately, this means you can potentially be infected up to four times in your life, once for each serotype. After recovering from one serotype, your body produces antibodies to that particular strain, but these antibodies do not protect you against the others. In fact, some studies suggest the antibodies might enhance the severity of the disease if you encounter a different serotype, a phenomenon known as antibody-dependent enhancement. If you’ve had dengue before, it’s definitely understandable to be worried about being infected again. To reduce your risk, avoid mosquito bites, especially in areas where dengue is endemic. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and ensure your living area is free of standing water where mosquitoes breed. Consider using mosquito nets and screens as well. Pay attention to any new symptoms, like high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, or rashes, which could indicate a new dengue infection. If you suspect dengue, see a healthcare provider as soon as possible for proper evaluation and management. Stay hydrated and rest, but if you experience warning signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, or difficulty breathing, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Knowing this information can help you prepare and take steps to protect yourself, without unnecessary worry.
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