Dengue Fever - Treatments

Can you or your child be managed at home?

Majority of the cases are mild, self-limiting and requires no hospitalisation.

Assessment

Blood test is done daily to assess the platelet level and concentration (as it can be normal during the first few days of fever).
Blood test can also be done at the polyclinics or general practitioner (GP) clinics.

There is no antibiotic or anti-viral medication for dengue fever. The treatment is mainly supportive and for relief of symptoms. The main components of management of dengue fever are:

Fluid or water replacement

Children about one year old or weigh more than 10kg should drink at least one litre of fluids a day.
Children who weigh more than 40kg or adult should drink at least two litres of fluids a day.
This is because
- Fever increases water loss from your body.
- Dengue fever causes the blood vessels to be leaky and increases water loss f rom the blood circulation.

Symptom relief and fever control

Painkillers (eg. paracetamol) may be given to relieve pain and control fever.
Avoid aspirin (or other medications such as ibuprofen and diclofenac suppositories that affect the platelet functions) as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
Medications may be given for nausea and vomiting.

Bleeding prevention and control

Rest in bed and reduce activities like running around and avoiding sports to reduce the risk of falls and injury.
Avoid brushing your teeth and traumatising your nose (eg. from digging) when your platelet counts drop below normal levels.
If superficial bleeding occurs, apply firm pressure to the bleeding point for several minutes. For nosebleeds, use fingers to apply pressure to the upper part of the nasal bridge (by squeezing) and lean forward.

Note: Seek medical attention whenever there is evidence of bleeding.

When do you or your child need to return to the hospital?

Blood platelet count less than 80,000.
Bleeding from the nose or gums without any injury.
Unwell (lethargic, drowsy or have breathing difficulty).
Vomiting or poor feeding/drinking.
Severe abdominal pain and giddiness.

Note: Hospitalisation may be considered when you or your child is presented with the above conditions.

Assessment, observation and treatment during hospitalisation

Blood tests are done daily to assess the platelet level and blood concentration.
Vital signs (eg. pulse rate or blood pressure) are monitored to detect any potential complications of dengue fever.
Intravenous fluid (drip) may be required.
Platelets or blood transfusion may be given if the spontaneous bleeding.
Admission and treatment in high dependency or intensive care unit for artificial ventilation, blood pressure support and other measures may be necessary for patients who are critically ill.

When can you or your child go home?

Current hospital guidelines allow children who are well and have a rising platelet trend or platelet above 80,000 to be discharged. For adults, our doctors will assess each patient and advice on suitability for discharge.

After discharge, a repeat blood test (details included with discharge letter) should be done as and when instructed by your medical team.

A further week of rest at home with no strenuous physical activities may be advised as some patients may feel very tired.