Dengue is a high-profile and ongoing public health concern in the Philippines. The first known epidemic of severe dengue or dengue hemorrhagic fever anywhere in the world was recorded in Manila in 1953.1 By the mid-1970s, severe dengue had become a leading cause of hospitalization and death among children in the region.
Between 2004 and 2010, the Philippines experienced the seventh highest number of dengue cases in the world according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Dengue has become a year-round threat in the Philippines. However, data suggests that the number of dengue cases increases one to two months after the onset of the rainy season, resulting in a peak of dengue cases between July and November each year.
In principle, because this is a disease due to a virus infection then there is no specific medicine to address them . Care provided only a symptomatic treatment is only a general state of repair of sufferers and to guard against dehydration ( lack of fluids ) . The treatment can be done at home if the patient is still able to eat and drink alone and no nausea or vomiting is severe ( DHF Grade I - II ) . Treatment can be done by providing a warm compress , heat the medicine go down , a pain reliever and Antiemetic if necessary .
If the condition of the patient does not improve or if there are signs of shock ( DHF Grade III - IV ) immediately brought to the nearest health facility .
DHF will generally experience healing after 7-8 days , if there is no secondary infection and the body's basic defense is a good sufferer . Signs of healing among others, include fever down slowly , and drink appetite improved , fatigue is reduced and the body feels fresh again.
Here are some useful reminders for nurses managing dengue patients:
For prevention:
* Avoid mosquito bites, use long sleeve shirts and protective clothing
* Sleep under mosquito nets (preferably Insecticide treated nets)
* Destroy all domestic and peri-domestic breeding sources of Ae. aegypti mosquito (artificial containers, coconut shells, canes, used tires, earthen pots, flower vase, ant-traps etc.)
* Use of mats, coils, aerosol house spray, vaporising mosquito repellents etc. may be useful
* Use of Repellent: Essential oils from plant extracts (neem oil, lemon grass, citronella oil etc.) gives protection from mosquito bites.
For Treatment
* Complete bed rest is essential and patient should take sufficient fluid drinks (fruit juice, ORS etc.). This will help correction of dehydration due to fluid loss from vomiting and high fever.
* Should consult the physician immediately for appropriate management of the illness and must be referred to the hospital if needed.
* DO NOT use ASPIRIN or NSAID-these drugs may trigger gastritis and provoke bleeding.
* DO NOT give antibiotic as these do not help
Standby Emergency Treatment
* Any patient with sudden onset of high spell of fever without any upper respiratory features or common cold symptoms is a suspect of Dengue Syndrome.
* This is more so when there is accompanying muscle and bone pain.
* Patient should be observed, fever to be lowered to the tolerable level with preferably room temperature tepid water sponging and or judicious use of paracetamol.
* Fluid balance to be maintained with ORS along with nutrition and fresh fruit juices.
* Observation should be continued for two weeks for the danger signs that are: abdominal pain, bleedings, low blood pressure, prostration, decreased urine volume, or any other unusual features.
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