Can you get dengue twice？

Can you get dengue twice? This question is of concern to many people in dengue-affected areas, especially those who have previously contracted dengue. Rumors abound that dengue fever confers lifelong immunity, meaning that once infected, one is less likely to contract it a second time. Is this true? Today, we’ll reveal the answer.

What are the types of dengue fever?

Dengue fever is caused by dengue virus (DENV) types 1-4: dengue 1, 2, 3, and 4. The dengue fever type 2 is the most common. Studies have shown that type 2 is more pathogenic than other types, causing more severe illness and more pronounced lesions. Types 3 and 4 are following in line, with dengue fever type 1 being the mildest.

Can you get dengue twice?

Yes. The 4 types of dengue virus differ from one another. Infection with one type of dengue virus only confers long-lasting immunity to the same type, not to other types. Furthermore, a second dengue infection with a different dengue virus serotype may lead to more severe dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome.

The fact is, a second dengue infection should be taken more seriously. Secondary infection with a different serotype of dengue virus is more likely to result in life-threatening severe dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome.

What happens if I get dengue twice?

Dengue virus is divided into three types based on clinical manifestations: typical dengue fever, dengue hemorrhagic fever, and dengue shock syndrome. Dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome are often severe symptoms of dengue fever caused by secondary dengue infection. Most people experience typical, mild dengue symptoms during their first infection, but a minimal number of cases develop severe dengue symptoms.

How to test dengue?

• Observe clinical symptoms: fever, rash, joint pain, bleeding, headache, and other clinical symptoms in dengue.
• Routine blood tests: Dengue fever patients will have decreased white blood cell and platelet counts.
• Serological tests: These tests detect the presence of dengue virus-specific antibodies in the blood. ELISA tests for dengue IgM antibody can help diagnose dengue virus early, like dengue diagnostic test kits. A dengue IgM IgG positive means infection with the virus.
• Nucleic acid test: PCR (reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction) is highly sensitive and is primarily used to identify the dengue virus type in the serum of acutely ill patients.
• Dengue NS1 antigen test: This tests for the viral nonstructural protein NS1 antigen and can be detected 1-3 days after the onset of symptoms. A dengue virus NS1 antigen test positive means infection with the virus.

How to treat dengue fever?

There is no medication or treatment for dengue fever; the only option is to support the body’s immune system as much as possible. But we also have a nursing management for dengue fever. The home remedies for dengue fever include bed rest and a quiet, well-ventilated room. A dengue patient should eat a light, easily digestible, and nutritious diet, such as rice porridge, noodles, and egg custard. Drink plenty of warm water, fruit juice, and other healthy beverages. Pay close attention to changes in your condition, such as your temperature, and check it every 1-2 hours. If your condition worsens, such as persistent high fever, increased bleeding, or shock, seek medical attention promptly.

How long does it take to get over dengue fever？

The recovery time from dengue fever varies from person to person, primarily influenced by factors such as the severity of the infection, the patient’s immune system, and the treatment options. Generally, mild dengue fever patients, without complications, recover in about 1-2 weeks with active treatment. However, severe dengue fever may take weeks or even months to heal, and some patients may even face life-threatening complications.

What are the after effects of dengue fever?

The dengue fever long term effects include persistent fatigue, joint and muscle pain, itchy skin, memory loss, immune system abnormalities, and speech difficulties. Each person’s severity and physical condition vary, and the corresponding aftereffects are also different. Not all patients infected with the dengue virus will experience these aftereffects. These are only a few of the side effects experienced by dengue fever patients.

Does dengue leave permanent damage?

Whether dengue fever leaves permanent damage is difficult to generalize. Most patients with mild dengue fever recover without any physical impairment, while a small number of patients with severe cases may suffer permanent damage.

Dengue fever and pregnancy

Dengue fever infection during pregnancy requires special attention. Pregnant women have relatively weak immune systems, which can affect fetal development. It also increases the risk of severe dengue hemorrhage and dengue shock. If a pregnant woman develops a fever, especially in dengue-endemic areas, she should be tested for dengue fever promptly to rule out infection. If you don’t know where to buy a dengue fever antibody test kit, you can search dengue NS1 test near me online

How to treat dengue in pregnancy?

If you contract dengue fever during pregnancy, get enough rest and plenty of fluids, and seek medical attention promptly. Careful dengue care at home or in the hospital. Closely monitor the fetus, prevent insect bites, and provide adequate nutritional support. Always be vigilant for signs of severe dengue fever.

Dengue Vaccine

According to the dengue fever CDC report, dengue vaccines are not currently fully available globally. Only a few countries, such as the United States, Brazil, and Mexico, have made them available. The dengue vaccine presently used in the United States, Dengvaxia, can only be used for children who have been infected with the dengue virus. Children who have not been infected with the dengue virus but receive the dengue vaccine may be at increased risk for severe dengue fever.

Malaria and Dengue Fever

Dengue fever and malaria differ in that they have different pathogens, symptoms, incubation periods, and treatment.

• Fever: Dengue fever develops rapidly and lasts up to a week. Malaria, on the other hand, has a fever that resolves within a few hours and is accompanied by profuse sweating.
• Pathogen: Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus, while Plasmodium causes malaria.
• Incubation Period: The dengue fever incubation period is about a week. The malaria incubation period is longer, lasting from two weeks to a month.
• Treatment: There is no specific medication for dengue fever, and passive pain management is the primary treatment. Malaria can be treated with medication targeting the Plasmodium parasite.