Fever for 14 Days: Understanding Prolonged Fevers in Adults

02.04.202126.07.2023 by alexxlab

How does a fever lasting 14 days differ from typical fevers. What are the potential causes of prolonged fevers in adults. When should you seek medical attention for a persistent fever. What treatments are available for long-lasting fevers.

Содержание

Understanding Fever: Definition and Normal Body Temperature

A fever is a common physiological response to illness, characterized by an elevation in body temperature. It typically serves as an indicator that the immune system is actively combating an infection or other health issues. While fevers are generally short-lived, lasting a few days, some may persist for extended periods, raising concerns about underlying health conditions.

Normal body temperature in adults typically ranges from 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). A fever is generally considered present when body temperature rises above this range. For adults, a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is classified as a fever, with temperatures between 100.4°F and 103°F (39.4°C) considered a low-grade fever, and those above 103°F classified as a high-grade fever.

The Mechanics of Fever: How Does Your Body Respond?

When your body detects an infection or other threat, the immune system springs into action. This process involves:

Increased production of white blood cells to fight the infection
The brain receives signals to raise body temperature
Blood flow to the skin is reduced to conserve heat
Muscles contract, causing shivering and potentially muscle aches

This cascade of events results in the symptoms we associate with fever, such as sweating, chills, and general discomfort. While uncomfortable, these symptoms are generally signs that your body is working to eliminate the underlying cause of the fever.

Prolonged Fever: When Should You Be Concerned?

Most fevers resolve within 1 to 3 days as the body successfully fights off the infection. However, a fever that persists for 14 days or more is considered prolonged and may warrant medical attention. Prolonged fevers can be indicative of more serious underlying conditions and should not be ignored.

Signs That a Fever May Be Serious

High-grade fever (103°F/39.4°C or higher)
Fever lasting more than three days
Severe headache or neck stiffness
Confusion or altered mental state
Difficulty breathing
Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration
Skin rash or hives
Unusual pain or discomfort

If you experience any of these symptoms alongside a prolonged fever, it’s crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early intervention can prevent potential complications and ensure appropriate treatment.

Common Causes of Prolonged Fever in Adults

While short-term fevers are often caused by common viral or bacterial infections, prolonged fevers may have more complex origins. Some potential causes include:

Persistent viral or bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
Malignancies or tumors
Chronic inflammatory conditions
Medication side effects
Travel-related illnesses

Identifying the underlying cause of a prolonged fever often requires a thorough medical evaluation, including a detailed patient history, physical examination, and potentially diagnostic tests.

Risk Factors for Developing Prolonged Fevers

Certain individuals may be at higher risk of experiencing prolonged fevers or developing complications from persistent elevated body temperature. Risk factors include:

Chronic health conditions (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease)
Autoimmune disorders
Immunocompromised states (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy patients)
Recent travel to areas with endemic infectious diseases
Certain medications or treatments (e.g., antibiotics, chemotherapy)

If you fall into any of these high-risk categories and develop a fever, it’s important to monitor your symptoms closely and consult with your healthcare provider, even if the fever is initially low-grade.

Diagnostic Approaches for Prolonged Fevers

When faced with a fever that persists for 14 days or more, healthcare providers employ a systematic approach to determine the underlying cause. This may involve:

Comprehensive medical history review
Physical examination
Blood tests to check for infections, inflammation markers, or autoimmune indicators
Imaging studies (e.g., X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs)
Specialized tests based on suspected causes (e.g., blood cultures, biopsies)

The diagnostic process may take time and require multiple tests to pinpoint the exact cause of the prolonged fever. Patience and open communication with your healthcare provider are crucial during this period.

Treatment Options for Prolonged Fevers

Treatment for a prolonged fever depends on its underlying cause. While addressing the root issue is paramount, managing symptoms and preventing complications are also important aspects of care. Treatment approaches may include:

Targeted medications (e.g., antibiotics for bacterial infections, antivirals for viral infections)
Anti-inflammatory drugs
Immunosuppressants for autoimmune conditions
Supportive care to manage symptoms and prevent dehydration
Lifestyle modifications to support recovery

In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary for close monitoring and intensive treatment, particularly for high-risk individuals or those with severe symptoms.

Home Care for Fever Management

While medical treatment is essential for prolonged fevers, certain home care measures can help manage symptoms and support recovery:

Stay hydrated with water, clear broths, and electrolyte solutions
Rest and avoid overexertion
Use cool compresses or take lukewarm baths to help lower body temperature
Dress in light, breathable clothing
Maintain a comfortable room temperature
Take over-the-counter fever reducers as directed by your healthcare provider

Remember that these measures are supportive and should not replace professional medical care for prolonged fevers.

Preventing Complications from Prolonged Fevers

Extended periods of elevated body temperature can lead to various complications if left unmanaged. Potential risks associated with prolonged fevers include:

Dehydration
Electrolyte imbalances
Cognitive impairment
Seizures (in severe cases)
Organ stress or damage

To minimize these risks, it’s crucial to:

Seek medical attention promptly for prolonged fevers
Follow treatment plans diligently
Monitor symptoms closely and report any changes to your healthcare provider
Maintain adequate hydration and nutrition
Avoid activities that may exacerbate symptoms or increase body temperature

By taking these precautions and working closely with your healthcare team, you can help prevent complications and support your body’s recovery process.

Long-Term Outlook for Individuals with Prolonged Fevers

The prognosis for individuals experiencing prolonged fevers varies greatly depending on the underlying cause and the timeliness of treatment. In many cases, with appropriate medical care, the fever will eventually resolve, and the individual will recover fully. However, some causes of prolonged fever may require ongoing management or have long-term implications for health.

Factors that can influence the long-term outlook include:

The specific cause of the prolonged fever
The individual’s overall health and immune status
The duration of the fever before treatment was initiated
The presence of any complications
The effectiveness of the chosen treatment approach

For some individuals, a prolonged fever may be a one-time occurrence related to a specific infection or condition. For others, it may be a symptom of a chronic condition that requires ongoing management. In either case, follow-up care and monitoring are essential to ensure continued health and well-being.

The Importance of Post-Recovery Care

After recovering from a prolonged fever, it’s important to:

Attend all follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider
Complete any prescribed treatments or medications as directed
Monitor for any recurrence of symptoms
Adopt lifestyle habits that support overall health and immune function
Stay informed about your condition and any potential long-term effects

By staying proactive about your health, you can help prevent future episodes of prolonged fever and maintain optimal well-being.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Fever

While most fevers can be managed at home or with routine medical care, certain situations warrant immediate emergency attention. Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following symptoms alongside a fever:

Seizures or convulsions
Loss of consciousness
Severe confusion or altered mental state
Difficulty breathing or chest pain
Severe abdominal pain
Uncontrollable vomiting or signs of severe dehydration
Unusual skin rashes, especially if they spread rapidly
Signs of meningitis (severe headache with neck stiffness and light sensitivity)

These symptoms may indicate a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Don’t hesitate to call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room if you experience these severe symptoms.

Advances in Fever Management and Research

The field of fever management and research continues to evolve, with new insights and approaches emerging regularly. Some areas of ongoing research and development include:

Improved diagnostic tools for identifying the causes of prolonged fevers
Novel treatments for fever-inducing conditions
Better understanding of the body’s temperature regulation mechanisms
Development of more effective and safer fever-reducing medications
Exploration of the potential benefits of fever in fighting certain infections

These advancements may lead to more personalized and effective approaches to managing prolonged fevers in the future, potentially reducing complications and improving outcomes for affected individuals.

The Role of Telemedicine in Fever Management

With the growing availability of telemedicine services, managing and monitoring fevers has become more accessible for many individuals. Telemedicine offers several benefits in the context of fever management:

Increased access to healthcare providers, especially for those in remote areas
Reduced risk of spreading infections in healthcare settings
Convenient follow-up care and monitoring
Ability to quickly consult with healthcare providers about fever symptoms
Potential for remote monitoring of vital signs, including body temperature

While telemedicine cannot replace in-person care for all situations, it can be a valuable tool in the initial assessment and ongoing management of fevers, particularly for individuals with chronic conditions or those at higher risk of complications.

Building Resilience: Strengthening Your Immune System

While not all causes of prolonged fever can be prevented, maintaining a strong immune system can help your body fight off infections more effectively and potentially reduce the risk of developing prolonged fevers. Some strategies for boosting your immune health include:

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Getting regular exercise
Ensuring adequate sleep and managing stress
Staying up-to-date on vaccinations
Practicing good hygiene, including frequent hand washing
Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding tobacco use
Managing chronic health conditions effectively

By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can support your body’s natural defense mechanisms and potentially reduce your risk of experiencing prolonged fevers and other health issues.

The Psychological Impact of Prolonged Fevers

Experiencing a fever that lasts for 14 days or more can take a toll not only on your physical health but also on your mental well-being. The uncertainty, discomfort, and potential disruption to daily life can lead to:

Anxiety about health and recovery
Feelings of isolation, especially if bed rest is required
Frustration with the diagnostic process or treatment
Concerns about the impact on work or family responsibilities
Depression, particularly if the fever is a symptom of a chronic condition

It’s important to address these psychological aspects of prolonged fever alongside the physical symptoms. Consider the following strategies:

Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your concerns and emotional state
Stay connected with friends and family, even if it’s through virtual means
Engage in relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices to manage stress
Seek support from a mental health professional if needed
Join support groups for individuals dealing with similar health challenges

By addressing both the physical and emotional aspects of prolonged fevers, you can promote holistic healing and maintain a positive outlook throughout your recovery journey.

Characteristics, Types, and When It’s Serious

A fever is a common side effect of illness like the flu. It happens when there is a temporary rise in body temperature. A fever is usually a sign that your immune system is busy fighting an infection or other illness.

In babies and toddlers even a slight fever may be a sign of a serious illness. In adults a fever is not usually serious or life-threatening.

However, sometimes a fever in adults can be a warning signal that something is not right. A high or persistent fever might be a sign of a serious health condition.

A fever is normally a short-term rise in temperature that helps your body get rid of illness. A fever begins when your immune system makes more white blood cells to fight an infection. The increase in white blood cells triggers your brain to heat your body up.

This causes a fever. In response, your body tries to cool itself off by tightening up on blood flow to your skin and contracting muscles. This makes you shiver and may cause muscle aches.

Your normal body temperature ranges from 97°F to 99°F (36.1°C to 37.2°C). You may have a fever if your temperature rises above this.

Adults typically have a fever if their body temperature increases to 100.4°F (38°C). This is called a low grade fever. A high grade fever happens when your body temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or above.

Most fevers usually go away by themselves after 1 to 3 days. A persistent or recurrent fever may last or keep coming back for up to 14 days.

A fever that lasts longer than normal may be serious even if it is only a slight fever. This is because a recurrent fever might be a sign of a more serious infection or health condition.

Common fever symptoms in adults include:

sweating
chills (shivering)
headaches
muscle pain
loss of appetite
fatigue
weakness

Call your doctor immediately if you have a high grade fever — when your temperature is 103°F (39. 4°C) or higher. Get medical help if you have any kind of fever for more than three days. Let your doctor know if your symptoms get worse or if you have any new symptoms.

Serious symptoms
A fever may be a sign of serious illness if you have:
a severe headache
dizziness
sensitivity to bright light
stiff neck or neck pain
skin rash
difficulty breathing
frequent vomiting
dehydration
stomach pain
muscle cramps
confusion
seizures
Other signs that a fever may be serious are:
pain when urinating
not urinating enough
passing dark urine
passing urine that smells bad

If you have serious fever symptoms, let your doctor know if you have recently traveled to a different country or attended an event that had lot of people. This may help your doctor find out the cause.

Common causes of a fever in adults are:

viral infection (like the flu or a cold)
bacterial infection
fungal infection
food poisoning
heat exhaustion
serious sunburn
inflammation (from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis)
a tumor
blood clots

Some adults may have a higher risk of getting a fever. If you have a chronic health condition or have been treated for a severe illness, you may be more likely to get a serious fever.

Let your doctor know about any fever symptoms if you have:

asthma
rheumatoid arthritis
diabetes
Crohn’s disease
heart disease
sickle cell disease
liver disease
kidney disease
chronic lung disease
cystic fibrosis
cerebral palsy
stroke
multiple sclerosis
muscular dystrophy
HIV or AIDS

Some medications and treatments can also lead to a serious fever, these include:

antibiotics
blood pressure drugs
seizure medications
DTaP vaccine
pneumococcal vaccine
steroids
chemotherapy
radiation treatment
methotrexate
azathioprine
cyclophosphamide
post-transplant medications

A fever is not normally harmful on its own. Most fevers go away within a few hours to days as your body defeats an infection.

Help yourself feel better with these at-home flu remedies:

stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, such as:
- water
- juice
- soup
- broth
eat light foods that are easy on the stomach
rest
use a cool compress, like a damp towel
take a warm sponge bath
dress in light, comfortable clothing
turn down the temperature in your room

Over-the-counter medications can help ease your fever and symptoms, like headaches and muscle pain:

ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn)

You may need treatment from your doctor for more serious causes of a fever. The treatment depends on the cause. Your doctor may prescribe medications to treat serious infections:

antibiotics
antivirals
antifungals

A fever may be a sign of serious illness. A high fever can also cause serious side effects.

Emergency Symptoms
Get emergency medical attention by going to the ER or calling an ambulance if you have any of these symptoms:
seizure or convulsions
fainting or loss of consciousness
confusion
hallucinations
severe headache pain
stiff or painful neck
difficulty breathing
hives or a rash
swelling in any part of the body

A fever in adults is usually not harmful on its own. It is a sign that your body is dealing with an infection or other illness. In some cases a high or long-lasting fever can be a sign of a serious illness. You may need urgent medical treatment.

Do not ignore a fever. Get plenty of rest and fluids to help your body heal. See your doctor if you have a fever that lasts longer than 3 days or if you have other severe symptoms.

If you have a chronic condition or have been treated for a serious illness, let your doctor know if you have any kind of fever.

Persistent Low-Grade Fever in Kids and Adults: Causes and Treatme

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.

Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:

Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?

We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.

Adults

For an adult, a fever isn’t usually a cause for concern unless it goes above 103°F (39.4°C). You should see a doctor if you have a fever higher than this.

If your fever is lower than 103°F, but lasts for more than three days, you should also visit a doctor.

You should seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever:

strange rash that rapidly worsens
confusion
persistent vomiting
seizures
pain when urinating
stiff neck
severe headache
throat swelling
muscle weakness
difficulty breathing
hallucinations

Infants

For infants under 3 months old, even a slightly higher than normal temperature can mean a serious infection.

Call your pediatrician for a low-grade fever if your baby seems unusually irritable, lethargic, or uncomfortable or has diarrhea, a cold, or a cough. In the absence of other symptoms, you should also see a doctor if a fever lasts continuously for more than three days.

Children

If your child is still making eye contact with you, drinking fluids, and playing, then a low-grade fever isn’t likely a cause for alarm. But you should still visit a doctor if a low-grade fever lasts for more than three days.

Also call your child’s pediatrician if your child:

is irritable or appears very uncomfortable
has poor eye contact with you
vomits repeatedly
has severe diarrhea
has a fever after being in a hot car

Viral infections, like the common cold, are the most common cause of a persistent low-grade fever, but there are other less common causes to consider.

Respiratory infections

Your body naturally raises its body temperature to help kill the bacteria or virus causing an infection. Colds or the flu are caused by viruses. Colds in particular can cause a low-grade fever that lasts more than a few days.

Other symptoms of a cold include:

stuffy or runny nose
sore throat
sneezing
cough
fatigue
lack of appetite

Viral pneumonia and bronchitis are two other types of respiratory infections that can also cause a low-grade fever. Along with a fever, chills, and a sore throat, pneumonia and bronchitis come with a cough that persists for weeks.

In children, it’s common to experience “back-to-back” viral infections. This can make it seem like the fever is lasting longer than it should be.

Treatment for viral infections involves rest and fluids until your body takes care of the infection. You can take acetaminophen for reducing a fever if your symptoms are really bothersome. Fevers are important in helping your body fight off certain infections, so sometimes it’s best to wait it out.

If the infection is more serious, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics, antiviral drugs, or other medications to help treat the infection.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Persistent fever can signal a hidden urinary tract infection in both children and adults. A UTI is caused by a bacterial infection. Other symptoms include pain and burning while urinating, frequent urination, and bloody or dark urine.

A doctor can examine a sample of urine under a microscope to diagnose a UTI. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics.

Medications

A low-grade fever can occur about 7 to 10 days after starting a new medication. This is sometimes called drug fever.

Drugs associated with a low-grade fever include:

beta-lactam antibiotics, such as cephalosporins and penicillins
quinidine
procainamide
methyldopa
phenytoin
carbamazepine

If your fever is related to a medication, your doctor may adjust your dosage or recommend a different drug. The fever should disappear once the medication is stopped.

Teething (infants)

Teething usually occurs between 4 and 7 months of age. Teething can occasionally cause mild irritability, crying, and a low-grade fever. If the fever is higher than 101°F, it’s not likely caused by teething and you should bring your infant to see a doctor.

Stress

A persistent fever can be caused by chronic, emotional stress. This is called a psychogenic fever. Psychogenic fevers are most common in young women and people with conditions often exacerbated by stress, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia.

Fever-reducing drugs like acetaminophen don’t actually work against fevers caused by stress. Instead, anti-anxiety drugs are the therapy used to treat a psychogenic fever.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Though TB is more common in developing countries, thousands of cases are reported in the United States each year.

The bacteria can remain inactive in your body for years and cause no symptoms. When your immune system is weakened, however, TB can become active.

Symptoms of active TB include:

coughing up blood or sputum
pain with coughing
unexplained fatigue
fever
night sweats

TB can cause a persistent, low-grade fever, especially at night, which can result in night sweats.

A doctor can use a test called the purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test to determine if you’re infected with the TB bacteria. People diagnosed with active TB disease have to take several medications for six to nine months in order to cure the infection.

Autoimmune diseases

Body temperature has been found to be elevated in some people with chronic autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.

In one study, researchers learned that participants with a form of MS called relapsing MS who complained of fatigue also had a low-grade fever.

A low-grade fever is also a common symptom of RA. It’s thought to be caused by inflammation of the joints.

Diagnosing RA and MS can take time and may require multiple lab tests and diagnostic tools. If you’ve already been diagnosed with RA or MS, your doctor will want to first rule out another viral or bacterial infection as the potential cause of your fever.

In case of RA- or MS-related fever, a doctor will likely recommend that you drink plenty of fluids, remove extra layers of clothing, and take a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen until the fever passes.

Thyroid issues

Subacute thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland. It can cause a low-grade fever in some cases. Thyroiditis may be caused by infection, radiation, trauma, autoimmune conditions, or medications.

Other symptoms include:

muscle pain
fatigue
tenderness near the thyroid gland
neck pain that often radiates up to the ear

A doctor can diagnose thyroiditis with an examination of the neck and a blood test that measures thyroid hormone levels.

Cancer

Certain cancers — lymphomas and leukemias in particular — can cause a persistent and unexplained low-grade fever. Keep in mind that a cancer diagnosis is rare and a fever is a nonspecific symptom of cancer. Having a persistent fever doesn’t usually mean you have cancer, but it can alert your doctor to run certain tests.

Other common symptoms of leukemia or lymphoma include:

chronic fatigue
bone and joint pain
enlarged lymph nodes
headaches
unexplained weight loss
night sweats
weakness
breathlessness
loss of appetite

Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, a doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other treatments.

Fevers will usually go away on their own. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help to lower a fever, but sometimes it’s better to ride out a low fever with fluids and rest.

If you decide to take an OTC medication, you can choose between acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen.

For infants younger than 3 months, call your doctor first before giving them any medication.

For children, acetaminophen and ibuprofen are generally safe for reducing fever. Don’t give aspirin to children under 12 years old who are recovering from flu-like symptoms because it can cause a serious disorder called Reye’s syndrome.

If your child is younger than 12 years of age, talk to your doctor before giving them naproxen.

For teenagers and adults, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin are generally safe to use according to the instructions on the label.

Shop for acetaminophen and NSAIDs to help lower a fever.

Most low-grade and mild fevers are nothing to worry about.

However, you should call your doctor if you’ve had a fever for more than three days straight, or your fever is accompanied by more troublesome symptoms such as vomiting, chest pain, rash, throat swelling, or a stiff neck.

It’s hard to know when you should call a doctor for a baby or young child. In general, seek medical care if your baby is less than three months old and has any fever at all. If your baby is older than that, you don’t have to see a doctor unless the fever runs above 102°F (38.9°C) or lasts continuously for more than three days.

Continue to monitor your child’s temperature throughout the day. Rectal temperatures are usually the most accurate. Call your pediatrician’s office if you’re not sure what to do.

“Unknown disease similar to dengue fever”: Rospotrebnadzor asked vacationers in Egypt to be careful 002 Fresh number

Company

07/17/2023 15 :28

Irina Nevinnaya

Rospotrebnadzor has strengthened sanitary and quarantine control over flights arriving from Egypt, the federal service reported today. This is due to several cases of an unknown disease, the symptoms of which resemble dengue fever.

Pavel Lvov / RIA Novosti

According to the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, an outbreak of an unknown fever was recorded in the province of Qena, 600 kilometers south of Cairo.

“In connection with the current situation regarding flights arriving from Egypt, Rospotrebnadzor has strengthened sanitary and quarantine control, including with the help of the Perimeter automated information system,” the federal service said today.

Precautions are necessary, as in case of any infection of unknown etiology, while local authorities and doctors will find out the nature of the disease.This is necessary in order to assess the risks of its cross-border spread.Depending on this, both in Egypt and in countries that have transport links with it, the necessary anti-epidemic measures will be taken .

What is known about dengue fever

Dengue fever is an infectious disease that is widespread in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, China, Malaysia, Japan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Singapore, Philippines), India, Africa (Mozambique, Sudan , Egypt), in the tropical and subtropical zone of North, Central and South America (Mexico, Honduras, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Panama, Brazil, etc.). About 50 million people in the world are infected with dengue every year.

Cases of the disease are also not uncommon in Russia. This fever is brought by tourists returning from vacations from endemic countries.

The main carriers of this vector-borne infection are Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.

An important detail: in the absence of a carrier, a sick person does not pose an epidemiological danger (that is, this infection is not transmitted by airborne droplets).

Rospotrebnadzor warns tourists planning their holidays in Egypt: in order to prevent infectious and parasitic diseases carried by insects, precautions must be taken:

wear clothing that covers the skin as much as possible,
use insect repellants and insecticides,
indoors – protect windows and doors with nets.

The incubation period for dengue fever lasts from 3 to 14 days, so you can get sick in a week or two after returning from vacation. Therefore, in case of symptoms, deterioration of health, you should consult a doctor, be sure to tell him where the person returned from.

Main symptoms of classic dengue fever

The disease may be asymptomatic, with mild symptoms or severe disease.

Dengue fever is characterized by an acute onset: the temperature rises to 39-40 degrees. Then the state of health changes in waves: by the end of the third day, the temperature drops, after 1-3 days it rises again, then decreases after 2-3 days.

Other general signs: severe headache, swollen lymph nodes, eye pain, nausea, vomiting, pain in the back, muscles and joints, especially knees.

A characteristic symptom is a profuse, itchy rash on the trunk, later all over the body, legs and arms. The rash persists for 3-7 days and leaves behind peeling.

How dangerous is dengue fever

In most cases, recovery occurs within 7-10 days.

But in rare cases (from 0.5 to 6%), a severe hemorrhagic form of the disease can develop with emerging subcutaneous hemorrhages (bruises without bruises), nosebleeds, bleeding gums, vomiting and diarrhea with blood, internal bleeding.

In the absence of proper treatment, the hemorrhagic form is fatal (approximately 50% chance).

Zdorovye RospotrebnadzorEgypt

Dengue fever: symptoms, pathogen, transmission routes

Dengue fever is an infectious disease transmitted by insects. Pathology has a clear geographical reference and more often occurs in the countries of Southeast Asia, regions with a subtropical climate in Australia and South America. Due to the intensive development of tourism in these regions, cases of the disease are also noted in other states, but they are isolated. Every year, hundreds of thousands of inhabitants of the planet are diagnosed with Dengue fever, some of whom are unable to receive timely medical care and are forced to put up with serious complications of the infection.

Causes of Dengue Fever

The causative agent of the disease is Dengue arbovirus, which can be found in the body of mosquitoes and arthropods. There are several of its serotypes, each of which gives approximately the same picture of the disease in the human body. The pathogen is resistant to climatic factors, however, it quickly dies under the influence of UV radiation and with a sharp increase in ambient temperature.

The mechanism of transmission of the disease “Dengue fever” is associated with mosquitoes of the genus Aedes, which feed on the blood of humans and animals. When bitten by an infected subject, the pathogen enters the mosquito’s blood, where it multiplies rapidly without harm to the “host” organism. The incubation period can be up to 14 days, after which the insect and its bites become contagious. One contact of a dengue fever carrier with a healthy body is enough for the virus to enter his blood, and the intensive development of the disease begins.

In the human body, the incubation period of the virus lasts about 7-15 days, and the acute stage – from 7 to 12 days. The course of the disease is undulating and consists of two peaks of body temperature increase, between which there is a weakening of symptoms. However, this is not a reason to stop the treatment, otherwise the risk of relapse and complications increases significantly.

Symptoms of disease

After a mosquito bite, the virus penetrates into the cells of the lymph nodes and blood vessels, where its intensive replication begins. As the volume of pathogenic particles increases, they spread throughout the body and penetrate into the internal organs, partially blocking their functioning. There is an intoxication syndrome, the first sign of which is a feverish state.

Also among the symptoms of Dengue fever:

headache;
copious respiratory secretions;
aching muscles and joints;
vomiting and nausea, other signs of digestive upset;
diarrhea;
drop in blood pressure.

Forms of the disease

The symptomatic picture allows us to classify the disease as follows:

The classic form of dengue fever. It is most often observed in the primary lesion. Characteristic symptoms are a significant increase in body temperature, which after 3 days is replaced by the normalization of the patient’s condition, after which the fever repeats again. Also, the disease is indicated by signs of intoxication, muscle pain, discomfort in the spine, swelling of the face, neurological disorders in the form of dizziness and insomnia. The rash on the body that occurred at the initial stage of the disease disappears after 3-7 days. The rash may resemble scarlet fever, appear as small hemorrhages, or look like blisters.

hemorrhagic form. It is more often observed in persons secondarily infected with the causative agent of Dengue fever. The incubation period can last up to 10 days, after which symptoms appear in the form of intoxication, lethargy and characteristic rashes. The latter may appear from a few points to an extensive spot, which often has complications in the form of nosebleeds and internal hemorrhages. Blood particles are observed in the patient’s stool and urine.

Dengue fever in children. In a child’s body, the pathogen makes itself felt with blurred symptoms, which complicates the diagnosis and does not allow timely treatment. More often, patients have such symptoms of dengue fever as intoxication syndrome, fever and rash, dry cough and difficult breathing. The duration of the disease is about 7 days.

Probability of complications

A patient’s refusal to seek medical attention for dengue fever can cause:

swelling and damage to the brain;
nerve inflammation;
otitis;
thrombophlebitis;
signs of toxic shock;
preterm birth or intrauterine fetal death for pregnant women.

Diagnostic methods

The doctor makes a preliminary diagnosis already at the stage of the initial examination and history taking. Unmistakable signs of fever are skin rashes, swollen lymph nodes, pain in the joints and muscles, as well as the wave-like development of a feverish state. If the patient has recently been in countries that are “dangerous” in terms of infection, he is immediately sent for laboratory tests:

Accurately establish the fact of infection allows differentiated diagnosis. Its goal is to exclude malaria, influenza, measles and rubella, which at the initial stage of the disease have similar symptoms.

The so-called flagellar test allows you to establish the hemorrhagic form of Dengue fever. A tourniquet is applied to the upper limb of the patient, after removing which, five minutes later, new areas of rashes can be seen on the skin.

Treatment

A mandatory requirement for a patient in the treatment of Dengue fever is immediate hospitalization. Treatment is carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor and includes the following drugs:

Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Sleeping and sedative formulations.
Glucocorticosteroids to eliminate the symptoms of intoxication.
Antibiotics that destroy pathogens.
Multivitamin complexes to support the immune system.

Drinking plenty of fluids and infusion therapy (droppers) with glucose preparations are recommended to prevent dehydration in the treatment of symptoms of Dengue fever.

Diagnosis and treatment of Dengue fever in the clinic JSC “Medicina”

Having found signs of a dangerous disease after returning from the countries of the tropical region of Asia, immediately make an appointment with the infectious disease specialist of the clinic of JSC “Medicine”. It offers its own diagnostic center and an outpatient clinic, where you can undergo a treatment course under the supervision of a specialist. Each visitor is guaranteed an attentive attitude, confidentiality, a full range of necessary diagnostic and treatment procedures. Appointments are made online and by phone during business hours.

Questions and answers

How is dengue fever transmitted?

The source of infection is the blood of a sick person, monkeys or bats. When bitten by a mosquito of the genus Aedes, infected blood enters the body of an insect, where the infectious agent multiplies rapidly in favorable conditions for itself. When a healthy animal or person is bitten, the infection enters the body of the victim, where it soon makes itself felt with characteristic dangerous symptoms.

Why is dengue fever dangerous?

In the absence of timely medical attention, dengue fever can cause serious complications in the brain, nervous system and liver tissues. Patients may develop symptoms of the following diseases:

meningitis, encephalitis;
inflammation of the nerves;
state of acute psychosis;
otitis;
thrombophlebitis;
state of toxic shock.

For pregnant women, the disease is dangerous due to the risk of premature birth and intrauterine fetal hypoxia.

How is dengue fever diagnosed?

An examination by an infectious disease specialist is often enough to make a diagnosis of Dengue fever. The disease is indicated by characteristic signs – enlarged lymph nodes, a bright red rash, pain in the joints and muscles. To confirm the diagnosis, blood tests are carried out by polymerase chain reaction and serological methods. A biochemical blood test allows you to find out the degree of damage to internal organs.