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Infectious Illnesses
Question #14908
45 days ago
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can dengue come twice - #14908

Kavya

I am really worried because last year I had dengue and it was pretty brutal. I was bedridden for over a week, really tough on me. But now, I've been feeling awful again. The same symptoms, fever that spikes outta nowhere, bad headaches, and this time some weird joint pain. My doctor said I should be fine since I went through it already! But, like, can dengue come twice? I mean, I thought once you get it, you kinda get immunity or something, right? My friend in Brazil mentioned something about different strains and it got me thinking. I kind of feel like I read somewhere that you can get another type of dengue after having it once, and I don’t know how, but that’s making me more anxious. I can't even sleep properly. The pain is kinda unpredictable too plus my platelets dip, and I’m left wondering if it’s gonna be like last time. Can dengue come twice, for real? Has anyone here had that experience? Did it feel the same or worse? I'm just hoping it’s not some random other virus. Just need some clarity on this before I start freakin' out even more.

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Doctors’ responses

Yes, dengue can indeed occur more than once, and your experiences and worries are definitely rooted in medical science. Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, of which there are four known serotypes (types of the virus): DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. Each serotype is distinct, and infection with one provides you immunity only to that specific serotype. Therefore, it is possible to contract dengue up to four times, as having immunity to one serotype doesn’t prevent infection from the others. In fact, subsequent infections with a different serotype can sometimes lead to more severe symptoms or a condition called dengue hemorrhagic fever. That’s why monitoring is key. If you’re experiencing symptoms and they resemble what you had last time, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly to rule out complications like severe bleeding or organ involvement. As for your current symptoms such as high fever, joint pain, and headaches — they align with typical dengue symptoms, but a doctor would need to confirm it, usually through a blood test checking for the virus itself or antibodies. If your platelet count is dipping, that needs especially close monitoring as low platelets can increase bleeding risk. It’s crucial at this stage to keep hydrated, monitor fever, and avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen, which can exacerbate bleeding risks. Paracetamol generally is safer for fever. Given your past experience and symptoms, revisiting your healthcare provider is a priority, both to confirm the diagnosis and to ensure that you’re managed safely. Remember, mitigating dehydration helps, and balancing rest with proper nutrition can support your recovery. If at any point you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, or bleeding gums, head to the ER immediately. These would be signs of a potentially severe case that would require urgent care.

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