Dengue Treatment

How is Dengue Diagnosed?

Dengue diagnosis starts with a medical evaluation. A doctor, such as a general physician for adults, a paediatrician for children, or an infectious disease specialist for severe or complex cases, should check anyone with suspected dengue.

A confirmed diagnosis of dengue infection is made by testing for the dengue NS1 antigen at the early stage or for antibodies, such as IgM or IgG, at the late stage. RT-PCR can be used to detect dengue virus RNA at early stages. CBC, especially platelet counts and haematocrit values, are monitored by doctors.

How is Dengue Treated Based on Severity?

The course of treatment depends on the severity of the dengue symptoms and the presence of warning signs. An overview of the dengue treatment approach based on severity is given below:

Stages of Dengue and Their Treatment

There are three stages of dengue fever, and treatment depends on the stage of illness. The following table summarises the treatment for different stages of dengue:

Other Treatments for Dengue

Doctors often recommend the following additional treatments to dengue patients based on their specific conditions:

• Intravenous Fluid Treatment: Intravenous fluids are used to correct dehydration and prevent dengue shock.

• Blood Transfusion: Blood transfusions may be necessary for the treatment of those patients who suffer from bleeding.

• Platelet Transfusion: Platelet transfusion is not recommended on a routine basis. Only selected patients suffering from severe bleeding and having serious indications may benefit from platelet transfusion.

• Therapy with Oxygen: Supplemental oxygen may be required for patients suffering from respiratory failure or shock.

• Intensive Care Unit (ICU): Severe cases of dengue require intensive care in an ICU.

• Therapy for Organ Support: Dialysis or mechanical ventilation may be necessary when there is severe kidney failure or respiratory failure.

Oral Medications for Dengue

A few oral medicines can help manage dengue symptoms. They are listed below:

• Paracetamol (Acetaminophen): Recommended widely for fever and body pain.

• Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS): Helps maintain hydration and replenish lost fluids.

• Electrolyte Solutions: Often prescribed to prevent dehydration.

At present, there is no approved oral antiviral for dengue.

Note: Do not take aspirin and ibuprofen without a doctor's prescription, as these may increase the chances of bleeding.

Ayurvedic and Alternative Treatment for Dengue

Some traditional and Ayurvedic remedies are often used for complementary care during dengue fever. However, none of these options is a substitute for doctor-recommended medicines or treatment plans. Here are some traditional complementary remedies for dengue fever:

• Extracts from papaya leaves can be taken as supportive medicine.

• Giloy (Guduchi) is an Ayurvedic supportive remedy for fever.

• Consumption of Tulsi (Holy Basil) is a traditional supportive measure.

• Drinking coconut water helps maintain hydration.

• Yoga and meditation may support recovery after an acute infection.

Note: No AYUSH or any other alternative medicine has been proven to cure dengue.

Home Care for Managing Dengue

Patients with mild dengue may recover at home with appropriate supportive measures. Here are the home care measures recommended during ongoing dengue treatment:

• Take plenty of fluids, such as water, ORS, and soup.

• Take paracetamol only for fever and body pain.

• Have adequate bed rest until recovery.

• Check for symptoms such as persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, and drowsiness.

• Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and NSAIDs without prescription.

• Consume a light, nutritionally balanced diet as tolerated.

• Consult the doctor for platelet count and blood tests.

• Prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito nets and repellents.

How Long Does Dengue Treatment Take?

The duration of dengue treatment depends on the symptoms, disease severity, and progression. The table below clearly lists the approximate duration of dengue treatment:

Dengue Treatment Side Effects

Some dengue treatment measures may cause mild to severe side effects. These possible side effects of dengue treatments are listed below:

• Paracetamol: May result in liver toxicity if more than the prescribed amount is ingested.

• Intravenous fluids: Can cause fluid overload if too much is given.

• Blood Transfusion: Can lead to allergic and other reactions to blood transfusions.

• Platelet Transfusion: Could lead to fever, allergic reaction, and infection from blood transfusion.

• Oxygen Therapy: Can result in nasal dryness and irritation if used for long periods.

Lifestyle Changes for Dengue Treatment

Certain lifestyle changes support dengue treatment and ensure a faster recovery. Here are the lifestyle changes doctors often recommend during dengue treatment:

• Drink plenty of fluids to maintain hydration.

• Have enough bed rest until fully healed.

• Eat a healthy diet.

• Check temperature and warning signs regularly.

• Avoid taking alcohol during recovery.

• Avoid strenuous exercise until cleared by the doctor.

• Use repellent and bed nets to avoid mosquito bites.

• Make sure to attend follow-up consultations where needed.

Triggers That Can Worsen Dengue Symptoms

Some factors may worsen dengue symptoms and delay recovery. These common triggers are:

• Dehydration

• Delays in seeking treatment

• Consumption of aspirin or ibuprofen without the approval of a doctor

• Drinking alcohol

• Physical exercise while ill

• Missing warning signs, such as vomiting and bleeding

• Failure to consume enough fluid

• Chronic diseases like diabetes or heart problems

Dengue Treatment Cost in India

The cost of dengue treatment in India depends on the severity of the disease. Treatment for mild dengue involving doctor consultations, medical tests, and medication may amount to ₹2,000 to ₹5,000. In case of dengue hospitalisation, depending on the severity of symptoms, costs may range from ₹10,000 to ₹1,00,000. For severe cases of dengue requiring ICU, blood transfusion, or other intensive care, costs can reach up to ₹5 lakh.

Does Health Insurance Cover Dengue Treatment in India?

Yes. Most health insurance covers dengue treatment, including in-patient hospitalisation, diagnostic tests, medications and ICU stay, depending on the policy’s coverage and benefits.

Additionally, some insurance companies may offer specialised dengue health insurance or vector-borne disease plans.

Outpatient expenses incurred during the treatment of dengue, including doctor consultations, diagnostic tests, pharmacy and home nursing, may be covered with an OPD cover. A claim can be raised after completing the initial waiting period of 30 days.

Eligible beneficiaries can avail medical coverage for hospitalisation for dengue under the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY for up to ₹5 lakh per year per family.