Dengue is a virus spread through the bite of the infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, popularly known as "white legs". Once you've been bitten, the disease can take effect from 3 days to 2 weeks after, with strong symptoms that are sometimes confused with the common cold. So at oneHOWTO we explain in detail what the most common symptoms of dengue are so you can know when you need to see your doctor.
Dengue is a virus that directly affects our blood platelet count, making it fall significantly. Platelets play an important role in our body, that help the blood to clot. A normal platelet count ranges from 150 - 450. When it drops dramatically to less than 10 you are at risk of internal bleeding, what is known as dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF).
Dengue is a disease that has no cure, the virus simply goes away on its own 7 - 15 days after the symptoms appear. The medical treatment that is prescribed for this mainly involves medication to reduce the discomfort caused by the disease, and to monitor and control the fall in your platelets.
One of the first symptoms of dengue is generally feeling weak along with a severe headache and pain behind the eyes. A high fever for several days is also a sign that you have caught this virus.
Another of the symptoms of dengue is intense muscle and joint pain throughout the body. This is a clear enough sign and allows you to tell the difference between dengue and, for example, the common flu.
3 or 4 days after the symptoms appear, many people with dengue will have a rash on their legs, arms or back as a result of having of a drop in their platelets. Intense fatigue and lack of appetite are also signs of this disease.
The symptoms of dengue last for several days, causing such discomfort and weakness that the sufferer will find it difficult to carry out daily activities. Once the disease has been diagnosed, it is very important to constantly rest, drink more fluids and follow your doctor's advice. A simple blood test to assess your platelet count is enough to check if you have caught this virus.
At OneHowTo we give you some tips for you to discover how to raise your platelet levels and regain your strength, also you can read our article on what to do if you have a low platelet count.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to What Are the Common Symptoms of Dengue, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.