Q. What are the symptoms of Dengue fever?
Dengue fever takes around 3 to 7 days to show its effect. Sometimes the infection remains asymptomatic (without symptoms), but the majority of individuals develop classic dengue fever. Symptomatic patients become acutely febrile (feverish) and may develop severe musculoskeletal pain, headache, retro-orbital pain, and a transient macular rash, most often observed in children. Children and young adults remain at increased risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome, particularly after repeated infection with a new Dengue virus serotype.
Q. What is the advantage of detecting dengue NS1 antigen instead of dengue antibodies?
Detection of Dengue NS1 antigen helps in the diagnosis of current infection within the first week of illness (during the fever phase). Detection of IgM antibody, however, indicates possible current infection or recent infection (can be positive if the infection had occurred within the past 2 to 3 months). For medical management of acute fever, it is important to diagnose current infection which is done by Dengue-NS1. It has been observed that detecting Dengue NS1 is way reliable and takes less time than IgM, which takes around 6 to 10 to show results.
Q. Is there any specific treatment available for Dengue?
No, there is no specific treatment or antiviral medicine available for Dengue. The treatment available is mainly supportive which is based on observation of hemorrhagic and circulatory abnormalities and laboratory test results (e.g., electrolytes, platelets, and hemoglobin).
Q. What are the clinical types of Dengue fever?
The types of Dengue fever include Dengue fever or break-bone fever with no serious complications, Dengue hemorrhagic fever with bleeding, low platelet, and fluid loss (plasma leakage) and Dengue shock syndrome with low blood pressure.
Q. How is the blood sample taken?
The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.
Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?
As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.