Dengue Fever Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Insurance | Royal Sundaram
Dengue Fever
Also known as breakbone fever, Dengue fever is a disease caused by a mosquito bite. It can cause multiple flu-like illnesses and it is spread by Aedes mosquitoes. The virus has different types, and each type can cause serious problems.
It is a viral disease which occurs in various parts of the planet. Dengue fever majorly affects people living in tropical and subtropical regions. However, in the past 50 years, dengue victims have increased 30 times. In the 50s, severe dengue was first recorded in Thailand and the Philippines, and now it is a disease spread across Asia and Latin America.
Once a person is infected, he or she becomes a carrier and someone who spreads it further. The virus spreads in blood for 2 to 7 days, and during that period, the victim goes through the fever. In human beings, once a person has recovered from dengue, they become immune to that type of virus.
Dengue Fever Symptoms
Symptoms of dengue vary according to the severity. Normally, a victim only goes through mild symptoms like uncomplicated fever. However, in some cases, the symptoms can be life-threatening.
The incubation period can range from 4 to 7 days but may go up to 14 days. Sometimes, a victim can suffer a fever of 104 F degrees. Often the blood vessels are damaged highly. The symptoms may become harsh and lead to severe dengue or dengue shock syndrome.
The symptoms include:
- Aching joints and muscles
- Reappearing and disappearing rash on the body
- Severe headache
- Eye pain
- Nausea
- Mouth, gums or nose bleed
- Internal bleeding
- Weak pulse
- Disorientation
- Heavy bleeding
- Constant vomiting
Dengue Fever Diagnosis
To diagnose dengue fever, the characteristic symptoms of the disease are closely observed by a doctor. The infection's course is divided into three stages – febrile, critical, and recovery. However, it has come to notice that this disease can't be detected in the early phase. It is hard to distinguish it from other diseases.
The symptoms usually appear just before severe dengue. The earliest difference detected in a body can be a low white blood cell count. This can be found after laboratory investigations. This may be followed by low platelets and metabolic acidosis. In some serious cases, plasma leakage causes hypoalbuminemia and haemoconcentration.
Dengue Fever Treatment & Cost in India
Since dengue is a virus, there is a particular cure or treatment. However, treatment according to the severity of the disease can help.
The disease’s presence is spread across three phases. The first phase, or the febrile stage, has the person suffering from high fever, body pain, and headaches. This goes on for about 2 to 7 days. The critical stage has the victim suffering from loss of plasma from the blood vessels; this can last for about two days. The final stage is the recovery phase, where the person suffering from dengue has their health improved. This lasts for about three days.
Treatment for milder forms includes – preventing dehydration, consumption of painkillers. However, severe forms require IV fluid supplementation and blood transfusion. Getting hospitalized will let the doctors properly examine the patient.
The dengue fever’s treatment may cost from an amount between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 75,000. The cost of the treatment can be a steep one.
Insurance in India
Dengue fever's treatment cost is not cheap as the price differs according to the severity. Treating it would eat a huge chunk of savings or income.
This payment cost can be avoided by purchasing medical insurance. It is an extremely valuable asset that will help you in the worst of times.
There are multiple reasons why health insurance cover is compulsory-
- The lifestyle of every person is changing significantly in today's world. Thanks to factors like low work-life balance, environmental changes, and erratic food habits, many are suffering a wide range of diseases and disorders.
- The medical cost of treating diseasing is increasing every day. The prices can sometimes be sky high. Health insurance can be of great help in such time.
- Additional benefits like coverage for ambulance, vaccination, and health check-up can also be helpful.
Other diseases
Consumers are becoming more and more health conscious in today's world. Since people are exposed to news of severe diseases, they are turning towards health insurance policies that can secure their medical expenses.
The most common disorders include-
- Diarrheal diseases
- Unintentional injuries
- Digestive problems
- Conditions related to heart
- Cancer
- Contagious diseases