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When does a dengue fever check need to be done

Checking for dengue fever (DB) should be done as soon as several suspected symptoms appear. "The symptoms of dengue fever are sometimes similar to flu symptoms, namely fever, muscle aches and headaches."

Jakarta – Dengue fever is a disease that is common in tropical countries such as Indonesia. Cases of this disease will also increase when the rainy season enters.

However, the symptoms of fever and muscle aches are often thought to be just symptoms of the common cold. That's what makes this disease often treated too late. So, when should you check for dengue fever when you have a fever? Let's find out here!

When should you check for dengue fever?

Dengue fever is a viral infection spread through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

This disease often causes no symptoms or only mild symptoms similar to flu symptoms, namely fever, chills and headaches. These symptoms can usually last up to one week.

So, checking for dengue fever is an examination that can be done to diagnose the disease.

This examination is usually recommended for people who experience symptoms of dengue fever and have recently traveled to a country or region where the disease is common.

DB symptoms usually appear 4-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

You are also advised to check for dengue fever if you experience the following symptoms:

• Sudden high fever.
• Swollen glands.
• Rash on the face.
• Severe headache and/or pain behind the eyes.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fatigue.

Be careful, dengue fever can develop into a more serious disease called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

Go to the hospital immediately if you experience the following symptoms:

• Severe stomach ache.
• Continuous vomiting.
• Bleeding gums.
• Bloody nose.
• Bleeding under the skin, which may look like a bruise.
• Blood in urine and/or stool.
• Hard to breath.
• Cool and damp skin.
• Anxiety.

What is the procedure for checking for dengue fever?

Before the test, the doctor may first ask about the symptoms you are experiencing and your recent travels.

If you suspect you are infected with dengue fever, your doctor will recommend a blood test to check for the dengue virus.

The doctor will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle during a blood test.

After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight sting when the needle goes in or out. This examination usually takes less than five minutes.

The dengue fever check results show two indications, namely positive and negative:

Positive means the body has been infected with the dengue virus.

Negative means the body is not infected with the dengue virus.

However, negative examination results can also occur because the body is tested too early when a new virus appears.

If you feel you are infected with dengue fever and experience symptoms of the disease, try talking to your doctor about the need for a repeat test or other supporting examinations for dengue fever to confirm the diagnosis.

What to do if the result is positive?

If your dengue fever test results are positive, talk to your doctor about the best way to treat the infection.

Unfortunately, this disease has no cure. However, your doctor may recommend that you get plenty of rest and drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration.

You may also be advised to take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen, to help relieve body aches and reduce fever.

However, aspirin and ibuprofen are not recommended for consumption because they can worsen bleeding.

Reference:
Medline Plus. Accessed 2023. Dengue Fever Test.
Mayo Clinic. Accessed 2023. Dengue fever.