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dengue symptoms and precautions
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Infectious Illnesses
Question #14057
16 days ago
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dengue symptoms and precautions - #14057

Priya

I am feeling really overwhelmed and confused about some health stuff. Last week, I went on a camping trip in a tropical area, and now I’m back, I can’t shake this weird feeling. I started getting these strange feverish sensations, like one minute I'm hot then next I'm freezing, and the headache has been unbearable. I also noticed some rashes showing up on my skin that I didn’t even notice at first. I remember hearing about dengue symptoms and precautions while I was there, but honestly, I didn’t pay much attention thinking I'm safe! Now I'm panicking, thinking about all the dengue symptoms and precautions I should’ve taken. I googled it but it’s all so overwhelming! Another friend told me about joint pain being a common symptom, but I didn't have that...yet. I don't know, do I keep waiting it out or should I go get tested? Feels like it might be good to be safe rather than sorry. I just wanna know how long these dengue symptoms might last and what exact precautions I should’ve taken to avoid getting sick in the first place. I could kick myself for not listening better when the topic came up! Anyone experienced this? What should I be looking for?

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Doctors’ responses

Dengue fever is indeed something to consider, given your recent travel and the symptoms you’re experiencing. It’s transmitted by mosquito bites, and symptoms can appear 4-10 days after being bitten. What you’re describing—fever, headaches, and rashes—aligns with common dengue symptoms, though it’s worth noting that joint or muscle pain often accompanies it. However, symptoms can vary widely between individuals, so not having all the classic symptoms doesn’t necessarily rule it out. You should indeed get tested, as dengue needs medical assessment especially to monitor for potential complications like Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever.

Symptoms can last between 2-7 days in the initial phase but it’s crucial to catch any complications early. If verifiable, rest and hydration, alongside acetaminophen for fever and pain relief are typical recommendations. Avoid aspirin or NSAIDs like ibuprofen, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. In terms of self-care, make sure you stay well-hydrated by drinking water or oral rehydration solutions. Skeptical about how relaxing it is, rest is essential for recovery.

In terms of precautions, using mosquito repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and utilizing bed nets would have been key preventive measures. Applying repellent, even during the day, and ensuring that your accommodation was equipped with proper screens or air conditioning are effective steps. To sum up, consult a healthcare professional as soon as you can to confirm your condition, especially because certain symptoms like persistent vomiting, abdominal pain or red sores can indicate severe dengue, and require immediate care. It’s good that you’re looking to act rather than wait; timely medical advice is the best approach.

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