Dengue recovery: Side-effects which can linger after recovery
Dengue symptoms which can linger on post recovery
The surging rise in dengue infections recorded this year is absolutely worrying. Coupled by the rise in viral infections and emergence of a new strain, dengue remains a terrible infection to go through, which can also weaken the body and even lead to severe complications like platelet loss and induce the infamous dengue shock syndrome (DSS). Even though the mortality rate remains low, what can be concerning can be the symptoms which plague the body, even after the dengue virus has been rooted out.
Dengue can be a life-threatening disease
Now, while dengue can be an infection which can prove extremely risky for someone who has poor immunity, serious comorbidities or the ones who have contracted dengue fever before, it's important to remember that the symptoms, and the duration of infection can completely weaken the body. More so, like COVID-19, there can be some symptoms which can linger on for longer, and hinder healthy living.
Although post-dengue recovery symptoms may not strike everyone, it can be extremely difficult for the ones who have fragile health or undergo severe dengue infection. We discuss a few symptoms to be careful of, and how to ensure a healthy recovery:
Extreme weakness and poor immunity
A viral infection like dengue is earmarked by the characteristic high-grade fever, which is the reason it's also referred to as break-bone fever. Unlike a regular infection, a dengue fever can range from 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit and last for long. More so, with heavy inflammation and platelet loss, it can prove extremely tough for a person to get up even, and as a result, weakness can set it. Fatigue and weakness can be one of the toughest side-effects to deal from. Further, since fighting the infection can take a heavy toll on the immune system, one can also be at risk of getting frequent infections.
Hair-fall
Not just COVID, even a dengue infection could possibly result in hair loss. People while recovering from severe dengue often complain of excessive hair loss. This type of hair loss can last up to 1-2 months after acute dengue infection. A few people affected with dengue also develop alopecia (hair fall in small patches) because of medications, metabolic or hormonal stress or severe systemic infections.
Joint and muscle pain
Just like fever, joint and muscle pain is a characteristic symptom of a dengue infection. Also referred to as polyarthralgia (joint pain) and myalgia (muscle pain), this symptom can remain for several days even after you've fought-off the fever, and is likely due to the vast inflammation present in the body. Since the illness also makes the body extremely weak and sedentary, exercising muscles and joints after a long while can prove tough.
Loss of appetite and deficiency
One of the problems of fighting a severe infection like dengue could be the hit it takes to the digestive system. When you are in the recovery phase, extreme fever and weakness can make it difficult for you to eat meals properly and suffer from several nutrient deficiencies. That is why it is often suggested that patients must focus on ensuring proper fluid intake and have nourishing foods which are easy for the body to digest.
Weight loss
Fighting the infection for a prolonged period could make the body extremely weak, and if you haven't been eating well, it could impact your metabolism and make you lose weight. Not only is it vital to maintain ideal body weight, include more foods into your diet which cover up nutritional deficiencies and support a healthy recovery.
How to ensure a healthy recovery
It's important not to rush into normalcy after recovering from dengue and give the body ample time to properly rest and heal. If you are not too careful, not only will you put yourself at the risk of developing frequent pains, aches, weakness and catch more infections, but also worsen health. Apart from this, for proper recovery, ensure that:
-You include a lot of hydrating liquids, ORS supplements and have plenty of water in a day
-You steer clear of junk and processed food which may be difficult for your body to digest
-You take care of Vitamin B12, D levels and increase intake of all essential nutrient groups
-You have iron and antioxidant rich foods which can boost platelet supply
-All medications and supplements are taken properly.