• 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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5K Run for a Cause: How Community Fitness Drives Preventive Health Awareness

5K Run for a Cause: How Community Fitness Drives Preventive Health Awareness

Physical activity is one of the most effective tools for disease prevention, yet it remains underutilised in everyday life. Community-based fitness initiatives such as a 5K Run for a Cause play a powerful role in bridging this gap by making movement accessible, meaningful and socially engaging. These events combine the benefits of exercise with awareness-building, creating lasting impact on public health.

In India, lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity are rising rapidly. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), physical inactivity is a major contributor to this growing burden. Events that encourage structured, enjoyable physical activity help counter this trend.

 

What Is a 5K Run for a Cause?

A 5K Run for a Cause is a short-distance running or walking event designed to promote fitness while supporting a health, social or community objective. Participants may run, jog or walk the 5-kilometre distance, making the event inclusive for people of varying fitness levels.

Beyond physical activity, these runs aim to:

  • raise awareness about preventive health
     

  • encourage active lifestyles
     

  • build community participation
     

  • support wellness-driven causes
     

 

Why 5K Is an Ideal Distance

The 5-kilometre distance is widely recognised as:

  • achievable for beginners
     

  • challenging enough to promote fitness
     

  • safe for most age groups with minimal training
     

WHO physical activity guidelines support moderate-intensity exercise like running or brisk walking for improving cardiovascular and metabolic health.

 

Health Benefits of Participating in a 5K Run

Improved Cardiovascular Health

Running and brisk walking strengthen the heart, improve circulation and lower blood pressure. Regular participation reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke.

 

Better Metabolic Health

Physical activity improves insulin sensitivity and supports weight management. ICMR data shows that regular movement significantly reduces diabetes risk.

 

Enhanced Mental Wellbeing

Exercise releases endorphins that reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Community runs add a social element that further supports mental health.

 

Improved Musculoskeletal Strength

Running strengthens muscles, bones and joints, reducing the risk of age-related mobility issues.

 

Role of 5K Runs in Preventive Healthcare

Preventive healthcare focuses on reducing disease risk before illness develops. A 5K Run for a Cause supports prevention by:

  • promoting physical activity
     

  • encouraging regular movement habits
     

  • raising awareness about lifestyle diseases
     

  • motivating health-conscious behaviour
     

NITI Aayog identifies physical activity promotion as a key pillar of preventive healthcare in India.

 

Community Impact of a 5K Run for a Cause

Building Health Awareness

Runs often highlight specific causes such as heart health, diabetes prevention or mental wellbeing, reinforcing public health messages.

Strengthening Social Bonds

Community participation fosters shared goals and mutual motivation, increasing long-term adherence to healthy habits.

Encouraging Family Participation

Inclusive events encourage families to adopt healthier lifestyles together.

 

5K Runs and Corporate Wellness Programs

Corporate wellness programs increasingly include physical activity initiatives.

Benefits for organisations include:

  • improved employee engagement
     

  • reduced absenteeism
     

  • enhanced team bonding
     

  • positive employer branding
     

EY-FICCI reports show that wellness initiatives focused on physical activity deliver strong participation and measurable health benefits.

 

Accessibility and Inclusivity

A key strength of 5K runs is inclusivity.

They accommodate:

  • first-time runners
     

  • walkers
     

  • older adults
     

  • people transitioning to active lifestyles
     

This inclusiveness reduces barriers to participation.

 

Supporting Long-Term Behaviour Change

One-time events create awareness, but their true value lies in inspiring long-term change.

Participants often:

  • continue walking or running regularly
     

  • become more conscious of fitness
     

  • seek preventive health checkups
     

Lancet studies indicate that community-based physical activity initiatives can influence long-term health behaviours.

 

Safety and Health Considerations

For safe participation:

  • individuals should assess fitness levels
     

  • warm-up and cool-down are essential
     

  • hydration should be prioritised
     

  • those with medical conditions should seek medical advice
     

Proper guidance ensures benefits without injury.

 

Role of Awareness and Education

Successful runs integrate education through:

  • health talks
     

  • informational materials
     

  • screening camps
     

  • wellness resources
     

This combination reinforces preventive health messages.

 

Measuring Impact

Impact can be assessed through:

  • participation rates
     

  • follow-up health initiatives
     

  • employee engagement metrics
     

  • community feedback
     

Data-driven evaluation improves future program design.

 

Why 5K Runs Matter in India

India faces challenges such as:

  • rising sedentary lifestyles
     

  • limited health awareness
     

  • increasing chronic disease burden
     

Community fitness events provide a scalable, low-cost solution to promote active living and prevention.

 

Conclusion

A 5K Run for a Cause is more than a fitness event—it is a preventive health movement. By combining physical activity with purpose, these runs encourage healthier lifestyles, strengthen community bonds and raise awareness about long-term wellbeing. In a country where lifestyle diseases are growing rapidly, initiatives that make movement accessible and meaningful are essential. A simple 5K run can be a powerful step toward a healthier, more active society.

 

References

  • ICMR – Physical Activity and Lifestyle Disease Prevention Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Physical Activity and Health Data

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Physical Activity Promotion Strategy

  • WHO – Physical Activity and Health Guideline

  •  Lancet – Community Fitness and Preventive Health Studies

  • Statista – Fitness Events and Participation Trends India

  • EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Physical Activity Reports

See all

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