During monsoon, children are at an increased risk of contracting dengue, a mosquito-borne viral disease. Stagnant rainwater provides breeding grounds for mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. Parents should take precautions such as using mosquito repellents, ensuring proper sanitation, and eliminating standing water to protect their children's health.

Here is what you need to know about dengue in children:

What is Dengue Fever in Children?
How Can Dengue Affect Children?
Stages of Dengue Fever in Children
Symptoms of Dengue Fever in Children
Treatment Options for Dengue Fever
Myths and Facts About Dengue Fever
Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dengue Fever in Children?

Dengue fever is a viral illness caused by the dengue virus and can affect children and adults. It is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes species. The disease spread by the mosquito can reflect fever, weakness, exhaustion, and low energy the whole day. Children face these symptoms quickly due to an underdeveloped immune system. Water pools are one of the prominent places for dengue-spreading mosquitoes to breed. Children playing near such areas or places with filth filled with mosquitoes increase the chances of a child getting affected by the disease.

Sometimes, dengue can lead to severe complications, such as dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is necessary if a child shows signs of dengue fever.

How Can Dengue Affect Children?

Children are more prone to get affected by dengue due to low immunity. Hence, high fever and weakness are among the first symptoms of the disease affecting a child. Low immunity makes children highly exposed to the condition.

Stages of Dengue Fever in Children

Mentioned below are the three stages in which dengue fever in children are divided:

Febrile Phase- This is the starting phase of the fever caused due to the disease. The fever in this stage may last for 2 to 7 days. The affected child may suffer from vomiting, diarrhoea, and weakness. Continued symptoms need immediate medical attention. Ignoring these symptoms may also lead to severe health issues such as breathing problems, skin rashes, bleeding gums, and other similar problems.
Critical Phase- This phase involves the appearance of symptoms such as heavy breathing, vomiting, bleeding nose, excessive passing of stool, and other similar issues. The critical step may indicate immediate medical assistance to treat the symptoms. The stage may also require hospitalisation and continuous monitoring to avoid serious complications.
Recovery Stage- This is the healing stage of the child. The symptoms gradually subside in this stage. Still, close monitoring and utmost care of the child is recommended to avoid sudden complications.

Stages of Dengue Fever in Children

Symptoms of Dengue Fever in Children

Mentioned below are the dengue symptoms in kids that can help identify the issue and heal it in time:

High Fever: A high fever of up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit is one of the first symptoms of dengue in children. The fever can be caused due to the virus spread by the mosquito bite. If the fever is not treated on time, the condition may also be accompanied by weakness, joint pain, bleeding nose, and other similar conditions.
Rashes: If the symptoms grow severe, the affected children or infants may also suffer from rashes. Rashes can appear anywhere on the body of the affected. These dark red spots can be itchy and irritating, making carrying one with routine functions difficult. The rashes may grow speedily if not treated on time.
Vomiting and Diarrhoea: Vomiting and diarrhoea are also some of the symptoms of the disease. This condition may lead to dehydration and fainting if not treated promptly. The affected child cannot perform activities like walking, eating, or concentrating.
Low Appetite: An irritated child cannot have proper meals due to the abovementioned symptoms.

Treatment Options for Dengue Fever

Mentioned below are the options for dengue treatment for kids that help in quick recovery and easy healing:

Lowering Fever: The high temperature of affected children is one of the worrying issues in dengue. Hence, reducing the fever with the help of medications like paracetamol and sponge baths can help lower the temperature and calm the burning body. It also helps in cooling down the excess temperature instantly.
Hydration: A child may get dehydrated due to continuous vomiting and diarrhoea caused by the dengue virus. It is advised to keep the affected child hydrated to avoid severe complications constantly.
Preventive Measures: There is no specific surgery or treatment to lower the high fever caused due to dengue in children. To protect the child from such issues, keeping children away from areas filled with dengue-spreading mosquitoes is recommended. Use mosquito nets to avoid mosquito bites and spread of the virus.

Myths and Facts About Dengue Fever

Myth 1: Dengue Mosquitoes Bite Only at Night.
Fact: Unlike common mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes (which spread dengue) bite mostly during the day, with peak activity in the early morning and late afternoon.

Myth 2: Papaya Leaf Juice Is a Proven Cure for Dengue.
Fact: While papaya leaves may help increase platelet count, they do not cure dengue or prevent complications. Proper medical care is essential.

Myth 3: If You’ve Had Dengue Once, You’re Immune for Life.
Fact: There are four different strains of the dengue virus. A second infection with a different strain is more dangerous and increases the risk of severe dengue.

Conclusion

Dengue fever in children, though, might sound like a normal state but can turn severe if not treated at the right time. The child needs close monitoring and utmost care to avoid further complications.

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Reference Links

https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/monsoon/
https://www.dettol.co.in/common-infections/illnesses/ways-to-protect-your-child-from-dengue-fever/

Table of Contents

What is Dengue Fever in Children?

How Can Dengue Affect Children?

Stages of Dengue Fever in Children

Symptoms of Dengue Fever in Children

Treatment Options for Dengue Fever

Myths and Facts About Dengue Fever

Conclusion