Dengue fever is one of the most common viral infections in India. The infections typically start to spread during summer, starting from April, and peaks during the rainy season, between July and November. While dengue disease is common across all age groups, children in particular are more susceptible to the disease due to their weak immune system and outdoor activities in dengue prone areas. Parents should, therefore, be extra careful around their children during these months, and must be aware of the early dengue symptoms in kids. Read on as we walk you through the common types and symptoms of dengue in children, available treatments, and preventive measures. เว็บพนันออนไลน์ UFABET สมัครง่าย โปรโมชั่นมากมาย Let’s start with understanding the infection.
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a flu-like disease caused by the dengue virus. Which is transmitted through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito, commonly called, “Tiger mosquitoes”, characterised by white stripes on the body. These mosquitoes generally breed in warm and humid conditions, especially in stagnant water. Aedes mosquitoes can lay eggs even in shallow water, such as puddles, old car tyres, buckets, etc. Unlike other disease-carrying mosquitoes and insects that get into action after dark, Aedes mosquitoes bite during the day, especially 2 hours after the sunrise and just before the sunset. The silver lining is that dengue is not contagious and doesn’t get transferred from person to person.
Note: The first time a child contracts the dengue virus, it is caused by one of the four strains of dengue virus (DENV) – that belongs to the family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus. Once a child is infected with one strain of the virus; although they develop lifelong immunity against. That particular strain of virus, they can still be infected with any of the remaining 3 strains of dengue virus. Which can result in more severe symptoms.
What are the types of dengue fever in children?
Dengue fever in kids can range from mild to severe, depending on how their immune system responds to the infection. There are, however, three main types of dengue fever that are common in children.
Mild Dengue Fever
Mild dengue fever, also known as “classic dengue fever”, is the most common. And least severe form of dengue that results in flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, headache, skin rashes, and mild nose/gum bleeding. This type of fever usually doesn’t require hospitalisation.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
DHF, also known as “break-bone fever”, is a more severe form of dengue fever. And requires immediate medical attention and hospitalisation, as it could be fatal if not treated in time. It is a type of acute febrile illness characterised by severe abdomen pain. Persistent vomiting, change in body temperature from fever to hypothermia, irritability, confusion. And haemorrhagic manifestations (bleeding from nose, gums, or under the skin).
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)
DSS is the most severe form of dengue fever characterised by abnormal haemostasis. Wherein the blood pressure drops to dangerously low levels, often leading to organ failure. Various symptoms of DSS include low blood pressure, severe abdominal pain, weak and rapid pulse. This type of fever is life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention and care in an intensive care unit.
How can Dengue affect your Child?
Once a kid is bitten by a dengue mosquito. It’s effect can vary from mild discomfort to severe life-threatening conditions. Here are some ways in which Dengue can affect children.
Mild illness
In mild cases, dengue often shows flu-like symptoms, such as high fever, headache, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and rashes, making kids feel fatigued and restless for a couple of days to a week. Even after the fever subsides, kids may still feel fatigued and weak during the recovery phase.
Severe Dengue Fever
Severe forms of dengue fever, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), can cause internal bleeding due to leakage in blood vessels. Children may also experience intense abdomen pain, low blood pressure leading to dengue shock syndrome (DSS). These are all serious conditions that require immediate medical attention.
Hospitalisation and intensive Care
In severe cases, children with dengue may require hospitalisation, especially if they are at the risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. While mild dengue fever symptoms may not require hospitalisation, severe cases may require immediate hospitalisation and intensive care.
Emotional and Psychological Effects
Hospitalisation and medicines may take a toll on the mental health of both kids and parents making them fearful and anxious about the treatment. As kids suffering from dengue have to miss school and activities until recovery from the illness, the whole isolation period can have a huge impact on a child’s social and emotional life, making recovery challenging.