Fever

Fever

A fever is a temporary increase in the body temperature, often due to an illness. It is an indication that something is occurring within the body. There is no cause for alarm unless the temperature reaches 103 F (39.4C) or higher.

 For infants and toddlers, a slightly elevated temperature may indicate a serious infection. For an adult, a fever may be a concern but no cause to fear.

Fevers generally go away within a few days. Instances, where fever remains high, it is best to see Doctor, especially in babies and children seek medical attention or test to determine the cause incase further examination/test is required

There are numerous fever medications sold over the counter fever that lower the fever temperature. Sometimes it’s better left untreated. With complete rest and sleep the fever do reside. Fever seems to play a key role in helping your body fight off a number of infections.

Dengue Fever

Dengue fever is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito.  It is known as breakbone fever due to accompaniment of fever, headache, bones, joints and muscles aches. Dengue fever is common in Central America and Asia.

Dengue virus

Incubation period average four to seven days, though can be prolong as fourteen day after being bitten by an infected aedes mosquito. The virus travels to lymph nodes and spreads from lymphatic systems to bloodstream reaching to liver and spleen cells, where it multiplies and reinvades bloodstream in huge numbers. The white blood cells will try to protect the body by attacking the virus. While killing the virus, some enzymes damage the blood vessels while some defend the body. The damaged vessels cause swelling and plasma and blood released in the surrounding tissue.  It causes minor bleeding, rash, fever and aches.

For victims that experience a second attack of dengue fever within a few months of the first infection will encounter complications of dengue hemorrhagic fever and shock syndrome.

Infection of one type of dengue leads to lifelong immunity of that specific type antibody created during the first infection unable to protect the second type of dengue merely surrounds the virus.

Massive damage and destroy of blood platelets and clotting occurs in a second infection, resulting in dengue hemorrhagic and huge loss of plasma from the small blood vessels. With great loss of fluid, unable to maintain blood pressure triggers dengue shock syndrome.

Symptoms

As described above, symptoms are of the milder or serious nature. Milder symptoms are usual fever, headaches, body and joint aches. These are the milder symptoms as it can resolve after a while. In such instances, the victim is unaware of being infected by dengue as no symptoms develop.

Dengue cause a rash look like measles surface and lasts for two to four days. Major haemorrhages life threatening complications due to massive leakage of plasma from small blood vessels, resulting in a large accumulation of plasma fluid in the chest and abdominal cavities.

Treatment

Hospitalisation is required for patients with dengue hemorrhagic fever. Due to plasma leakage, the platelets and red blood cells should be monitored. Intravenous solutions and blood transfusion to be administered as needed.

Precaution

Prevent aedes mosquito bites. Use insect repellent and avoid people and areas that are infected.