• Published on: Oct 22, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Of Dengue Fever?

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What are the Symptoms, causes & treatment of Dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that's becoming more common in many parts of the world.

A severe flu-like illness with muscle and joint pain, rash, headaches, nausea, and vomiting can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms which include inflammation of the eye or gums causing pus build-up or tooth loss. Visiting a doctor is advisable if the headache lasts for more than 3 days; there are sudden meteors in vision;

The virus lives inside mosquitoes and is transmitted to humans through their saliva when they take a blood meal from an infected person. Vivax mosquitos tend to bite both day time and night time, while Aegypti mosquito prefers only night time

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, which is spread to people through mosquito bites.

The four types of dengue virus cause similar illnesses however the risk for severe disease and death increases with successive infections due to how it affects your body's immune system. The most common symptoms include high fever, headache, sore throat, nausea or vomiting (only in some cases), fatigue or lack of strength (maybe unrelated), pain behind the eyes (called "photophobia"), and rashes on arms, legs buttocks.

  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Rash on the wrists, arms, legs & trunk of the body.
  • Joint pain or muscle pain
  • Nausea

Treatment: Pain medications and fluids to maintain adequate hydration. Low platelet count requires blood transfusion for carriers of thalassemia. Low platelet count is treated with plasma exchange therapy or immune globulin infusions. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is also treatable but the outcomes are bad if not caught early on. Death rate increases with the severity of dengue infection (DHF). DHF patients need IV fluids, clean water preparation techniques, antibiotics, antiemetics, and antipyretics; ideally in a hospital setting.

Dengue Fever is a viral infection transmitted primarily by mosquitoes. The virus infects the human ribonucleic acid (RNA) and affects platelets which become unstable and may lead to internal bleeding.

Symptoms of dengue fever include the following: high fevers which can reach up to 106 degrees Fahrenheit, headache, pain behind the eyes, joint pains, skin rash that looks like measles, or prickly heat. In some cases, it may be necessary for patients who experience unusual bleeding or persistent vomiting to get fluids intravenously (IV). For severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary with supportive measures such as maintaining fluid levels with IV fluids and careful monitoring of blood pressure.

Very feverish and break out in a rash. Treatment for Dengue Fever is rest, fluids, and aspirin or paracetamol to relieve pain. If someone has a loss of appetite or is unable to keep down fluids, seek medical help right away. Otherwise drink plenty of fluid such as water, cordial lime drinks such as Fanta. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because there can be low blood pressure associated with this illness which will cause more dehydration while worsening the symptoms. Symptoms usually start between 4-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito but may start anytime from 14-22 days following a bite from an infected mosquito depending on what type of virus was transmitted that infection period depends on your immune system.

Dengue fever is an infection of the human body by one of four closely related dengue viruses. It's typically carried by mosquitoes, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. The symptoms which are experienced are fevers, joint pains, severe headache, nausea, at times secondary bacterial infections that can be fatal to sufferers with other pre-existing health conditions. Diagnosis is through blood tests following possible exposure. Prevention involves mosquito control measures such as mosquito repellents and the elimination of mosquito breeding grounds. There is no universally accepted treatment for this particular illness yet though there have been trials done on animals so there might be after all good news for us down the road.

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne tropical disease. Signs and symptoms may include mild fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint pains, nausea, or vomiting. The key to treatment is prevention against mosquitoes through avoidance of mosquito bites and use of insect repellents.

Mild cases usually get better without any specific treatment by 6 to 10 days. Use painkillers for the headache, drink plenty of fluids for persistent vomiting or nausea or other signs that develop after ten days or more that are not improving gradually on their own. Seek immediate medical attention if you have difficulty breathing(especially when accompanied by a cough), your skin is clammy with generalized discomfort("body aches"), unusual bleeding.

There are many symptoms of dengue fever, including headaches, nausea, and vomiting, pain behind the eyes both at rest and with movement. Joint pains are common too. There is no specific way to prevent dengue but prevention can be attempted through controlling mosquito populations in urban areas. There's no specific treatment available for this disease, though once it begins to recede patients can use acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

The fever is as high as 104 degrees Fahrenheit and causes debilitation, dehydration, abdominal pain and headache. The Dengue virus causes the flu-like illness Dengue Fever. Symptoms include a sudden high fever accompanied by headaches, muscle aches, and extreme tiredness. It might seem like a minor cold but it can be potentially fatal and needs to be treated as an emergency if not diagnosed correctly in time.

This mosquito-borne disease also has far more serious consequences including internal bleeding called dengue hemorrhagic fever that can lead to death from shock or multiple organ failure after subsequent infection with other bacteria or parasites from contaminated surfaces such as water droplets on door handles of public buildings.

Dengue fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever and quickly becomes life-threatening, resulting in an extremely high mortality rate. Symptoms include high fever, skin rash (large red patches), joint pain, headache, nausea and vomiting, muscle and bone aches. Treatment includes keeping fluids up by taking electrolyte drinks such as Pedialyte or Gatorade which supplies the water and sodium your body needs to function properly. Avoid sugar drinks because they can make you sicker if you're not getting enough sugar. Get plenty of rest and lots of hydration for the best results!

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Silent Heart Attacks Are Rising Among Indians Under 40

Why Silent Heart Attacks Are Rising Among Indians Under 40

Introduction

Heart attacks have long been considered a condition affecting older adults. But over the past few years, a worrying trend has emerged in India—silent heart attacks among people under the age of 40 are on the rise. These are heart attacks that occur with little or no obvious symptoms, making them especially dangerous.

So why is this happening? What are the reasons behind this silent epidemic? In this blog, we’ll explore the growing concern of silent heart attacks in young Indians, their causes, signs to watch for, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

 

What is a Silent Heart Attack?

A silent heart attack, medically known as a silent myocardial infarction, happens when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked, but the usual symptoms like chest pain or discomfort are missing. Many people mistake it for indigestion, fatigue, or anxiety, and don’t realize they’ve had a heart attack until much later.

By the time it's diagnosed, some damage has already been done to the heart. That’s what makes it more dangerous—you may not even know it happened until it’s too late.

 

Alarming Trend: Younger Indians at Risk

India is seeing more cases of heart attacks among people in their 20s and 30s. In the past, these were considered rare. But now, it’s becoming increasingly common, especially in urban areas.

Here are some facts that highlight this trend:

  • Nearly 1 in 5 heart attack patients in Indian hospitals are under 40.

  • Many are fit-looking, working professionals with no known heart problems.

  • In several cases, the first sign of heart disease is the heart attack itself—and sometimes, it’s silent.
     

So, what’s causing this shift?

 

Top 7 Reasons Why Silent Heart Attacks Are Rising Among Indians Under 40

1. Unhealthy Lifestyle

Fast-paced lives, late-night work schedules, poor diet, and lack of sleep have become the norm. Add junk food, sugar-loaded drinks, and smoking to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

2. High Stress Levels

Chronic stress increases blood pressure and leads to inflammation in the arteries. Young professionals facing pressure in jobs, studies, or family life are often silently harming their heart health.

3. Sedentary Habits

Many people, especially in IT and corporate jobs, spend long hours sitting without movement. Lack of exercise is directly linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

4. Diabetes & Hypertension at a Young Age

More Indians are developing type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure in their 20s and 30s, often without knowing it. These are major risk factors for heart attacks.

5. Smoking and Alcohol

Smoking, especially among men under 40, is still common in India. It narrows blood vessels and damages the heart. Regular alcohol use also increases risk when combined with poor lifestyle choices.

6. Family History of Heart Disease

If heart problems run in your family, your risk is automatically higher—even if you feel healthy. Many young people ignore this factor.

7. Lack of Regular Health Check-ups

Young adults often believe they are “too young” to get sick and avoid check-ups. Silent heart issues can go undetected for years without tests like ECG, cholesterol, or blood pressure checks.

 

Signs You May Be Having a Silent Heart Attack

Since silent heart attacks don’t cause obvious chest pain, you have to be more alert. Here are some subtle signs to watch for:

  • Mild discomfort in the chest, back, or jaw

  • Unexplained fatigue or tiredness

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Shortness of breath, even with small activity

  • Cold sweats

  • Nausea or feeling like you have indigestion
     

These symptoms may come and go, so many people ignore them. But if you feel “not quite right”, especially if you have risk factors, don’t ignore it—get checked immediately.

 

How to Protect Yourself

Preventing silent heart attacks starts with knowing your risks and taking proactive steps to stay healthy:

1. Get Regular Health Check-Ups

Annual heart screenings, cholesterol checks, and blood pressure monitoring can catch problems early—even if you feel fine.

2. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

Focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid processed foods, excess salt, and sugary drinks.

3. Exercise 30 Minutes Daily

A brisk walk, yoga, swimming, or cycling can strengthen your heart and improve blood flow.

4. Quit Smoking

It’s one of the biggest risk factors for early heart disease. If you smoke, get help to quit today.

5. Manage Stress

Take time out daily to relax. Deep breathing, meditation, hobbies, or talking to someone can help reduce stress.

6. Limit Alcohol

Cut back on drinking, especially binge-drinking on weekends, which is common among young adults.

7. Know Your Family History

If heart disease runs in your family, be extra careful and talk to your doctor about your risks.

 

When to See a Doctor

If you feel even mild symptoms or just feel unusually tired or breathless without reason, it’s better to get a check-up. Don’t wait—heart issues in young people can be caught early with the right medical help.

You can book a cardiology consultation online and get lab tests done from the comfort of your home. Early detection can save your life.

 

Conclusion

The rising cases of silent heart attacks among Indians under 40 are a wake-up call. With fast lives, unhealthy habits, and silent symptoms, many young people are unknowingly at risk. But the good news is, heart disease is often preventable with simple lifestyle changes and timely check-ups.

If you’re under 40, don’t ignore your heart health. Take action today to protect yourself and your future.

Worried about your heart health? Book a cardiology check-up now and understand why silent heart attacks are rising among Indians under 40.

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