Virus isolation and antigen detection are useful for detecting the virus during the early stages. Antigen testing is easier, cheaper, and more readily available compared to growing the virus or testing with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Dengue antibody testing, on the other hand, rely on antibodies to form and will take a few days to be positive. It can be used for detecting recent and even past infections.
Treatment for Dengue
Viral illnesses are usually self limited and resolve on their own after a few days. Unfortunately, there is no cure for dengue itself. The treatments used for dengue are mostly meant to relieve the symptoms and prevent severe effects and complications. Aside from hydration and close monitoring, symptomatic treatments are aimed towards alleviating fever and muscle pains.
Paracetamol is the preferred drug for treating muscle pains. Ibuprofen is not recommended since it acts by thinning out the blood, which for a condition where bleeding may be a problem can only make things worse. Since the liver is affected in dengue and paracetamol is metabolized in the liver, proper dosing of paracetamol is important.
For patients who develop severe dengue, the most crucial factor for recovery would be close in-hospital monitoring and care. This factor has been proven to reduce mortality rate of infected patients from 20% to as low as 1%. Anyone who shows signs of dengue must seek immediate medical attention right away as medical care is critical in recovery.
There is a vaccine for dengue and it has been approved for use in other countries. It is given to patients with proven dengue infection to prevent infection with other strains of dengue.
On the positive side, once you have contracted dengue, you will have permanent immunity to that strain. However, caution in endemic areas should still be maintained since there are other strains that a person can still contract.
Prevention of Dengue
The best way to fight dengue is to prevent its spread by limiting the breeding grounds of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. The clean up of areas near human habitation where mosquitoes can breed is the most effective means of preventing this disease from spreading. Stagnant water in areas in your home or garden r should be cleared and discarded.
Aedes is also a day-biting mosquito, characterized by their white stripes. Wearing the right clothes and applying mosquito repellents when outdoors are also important in preventing dengue.
Key Takeaways
Dengue is still a major health problem in many countries including the Philippines. But it is entirely preventable and with proper steps, the number of infected people each year can be greatly reduced.
Learn more about Dengue here.
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