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TV actress Divyanka Tripathi is one of the biggest faces of the daily soap industry. In a recent update on her social media, the actress shared about her health. Taking to instagram story, she posted a photo with a thermometer reading of 102.3°F, she confirmed her illness with the caption, “For the curious ones… Dengue it is. Cheers to knowing and getting better.” Despite her calm demeanour and assurance of recovery, the news has left fans deeply concerned. As dengue cases rise in many regions, it’s crucial to recognise its warning signs to ensure timely treatment and prevent complications.
What is Dengue Fever?![3 (62)]( "dengue fever")
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Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection caused by the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening.
Warning Signs of Dengue Fever You Shouldn’t Ignore
Dr Parinita Kaur, Internal Medicine Aakash Healthcare Super Speciality Hospital, Dwarka, shared a few warning signs of dengue fever that one should never ignore. The symptoms typically appear four to ten days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Here are the key signs to watch for:
Early Symptoms
- High Fever: Sudden onset of fever, often exceeding 101°F. (105ºF)
- Severe Headache: Often accompanied by pain behind the eyes.
- Muscle and Joint Pain: Commonly referred to as "breakbone fever" due to the intensity of pain.
- Nausea and Vomiting: Digestive discomfort is frequent.
- Skin Rash: A red rash may appear 3–4 days after the fever starts.
- Swollen Glands: Lymph nodes may become tender or swollen.
Warning Signs of Severe Dengue![1 - 2025-04-15T104641.622]( "dengue symptoms")
Around 3–7 days after symptoms begin, some patients may develop severe warning signs:
- Persistent vomiting or abdominal pain
- Bleeding gums or nosebleeds
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Restlessness or extreme fatigue
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
If these symptoms appear, immediate medical attention is necessary as they can indicate severe dengue.
How is Dengue Diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose dengue through a combination of clinical symptoms and blood tests. These tests detect the presence of the virus or antibodies in the blood. Early diagnosis is critical to managing symptoms and preventing complications.
Treatment and Recovery![2 - 2025-04-15T104645.912]( "dengue treatment")
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Management focuses on relieving symptoms:
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration caused by fever and vomiting.
- Pain Relief: Use paracetamol for fever and pain; avoid aspirin or ibuprofen as they increase bleeding risks.
- Rest: Adequate rest helps the body recover faster.
- For severe cases, hospitalisation may be required for intravenous fluids, blood transfusions, or other supportive care.
Preventing Dengue
Since there is no vaccine universally available for dengue, prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites:
- Use insect repellents containing picaridin.
- Wear long-sleeved clothing and pants.
- Sleep under mosquito nets if living in high-risk areas.
- Eliminate stagnant water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding grounds.
Conclusion
Divyanka Tripathi’s diagnosis serves as a reminder that dengue fever can affect anyone. Recognising early symptoms and seeking prompt medical care can make a significant difference in recovery outcomes. As fans wish Divyanka a speedy recovery, let’s also take steps to protect ourselves from this potentially dangerous disease.