How Long Does it Take to Recover from Dengue NS1?

With monsoon season nearing, the threat of a disease also nears India. You guessed it right.

The mosquito-borne disease, Dengue, is at its peak during the monsoons. This disease is spreading at an alarming rate worldwide, with 4 billion people at risk of infection.

In India alone, the dengue fever numbers rise significantly, especially in the monsoon season and the post-monsoon months. According to the NVBDCP (National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme), India reports a rise in dengue cases by 1-2 lakh yearly, with the highest numbers of cases found in states like Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, making dengue the most severe seasonal viral health threat in the country.

It is important to understand this disease, how it spreads, who it affects, and how to prevent it. If you are concerned about Dengue too and want to know more about this topic, then keep reading on as we unfold all the information that you need to know about this disease.

Who Does Dengue Fever Affect?

Certain groups, like children, pregnant women, etc, come under the high-risk category. This makes it essential to take extra care of them during the season. 

• Children: They may not express symptoms clearly and may delay detection, which makes it essential for parents to be on the lookout, as kids are more prone to dehydration and a rapid drop in platelet count.
• Pregnant Women: Dengue can increase the risk of complications like pre-term births and heavy bleeding.
• People with Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and other heart issues can turn the results of dengue more fatal.

What Causes Dengue Fever?

Dengue fever is caused by four different but closely related serotypes of the dengue virus. This virus is carried and transmitted by infected female mosquitoes, particularly of the Aedes aegypti species. 

The infected mosquito bites the host (humans), transmitting the virus into their bodies. The disease is non-contagious but further spreads when a non-infected mosquito bites an infected person. 

The mosquito gets infected and becomes a vector for the disease, transmitting it to other humans.

A person who has previously contracted dengue virus can still be susceptible to the disease. And subsequent infections may increase the severity of the infection.

However, the person becomes immune to the particular serotype of the virus contracted previously, and can only get infected through other serotypes.

What are the Symptoms of Dengue?

Generally, dengue infection does not exhibit any symptoms in most people. However, if they occur, the symptoms may last 3-7 days, sometimes severe, and may lead to death in extreme cases. Here are some common symptoms of dengue:

• Severe stomach pain
• High fever (up to 104℉)
• Headache
• Pain behind the eyes
• Frequent vomiting
• Rashes
• Swollen glands

Apart from the above-mentioned common symptoms like fever, headache, rash, and body ache, some symptoms occur occasionally, but if ignored, they can be life-threatening.

• Bleeding gums and blood in vomit and stool.
• Difficulty in breathing or breathlessness
• Drowsiness and restlessness
• Immediate drop in the platelet count

If these signs sound familiar, then the person may need immediate medical attention/hospitalisation.

Learn More: Dengue fever and its symptoms

Complications caused by Dengue Fever:

If not treated or diagnosed on time, dengue can lead to different complications, such as:

• Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF): It can cause severe bleeding and dangerously low platelet count.
• Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS): Leads to a sudden drop in blood pressure, shock, and organ failure.
• Organ Involvement: Severe cases can lead to failures in organs like the liver, heart, or brain.

Remember, you know the symptoms around the season, and keep an eye out.

How long does it take to recover from Dengue?

The recovery time for dengue fever is not a one-size-fits-all scenario. It varies depending on the severity of the symptoms and the individual's overall health. Your active participation in the recovery process is crucial and can significantly influence the duration of your healing journey. 

The recovery from dengue is a variable journey, taking anywhere from 3 to 12 days, contingent on the severity of the symptoms. To help you grasp this variability, we've prepared a table outlining the different phases of dengue and their associated timelines.

Phase	Days	What Happens
Febrile	2-7 Days	High fever, headache, rashes, muscle/joint pain
Critical	Fever subsides (24-48 hrs)	Bleeding, risk of plasma leakage, shock
Recovery	Begins~ Day 7	Rising platelets, improving symptoms, and fatigue may linger for 1-2 weeks

It's important to remember that while the fever may subside within a week, it can take several weeks to fully recover and regain your energy levels, especially after the critical period. Patience is not just a virtue, but a key element in your recovery journey. Understanding this can provide reassurance during the healing process.

NOTE: There are no specific medications to treat dengue. It may be surprising, but a combination of dietary, lifestyle, and health practices is the best recovery method for the seasonal disease. Understanding this can help you make informed decisions about your recovery plan.

Tips to recover from dengue quickly

Here are some effective tips to help you recover from a dengue infection and fight off the virus by strengthening your immune system:

Proper Hydration

Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids like coconut water, fruit juices, and other nutritious drinks is important. You should avoid drinks that contain caffeine and unhealthy amounts of artificial sweeteners as they may lead to dehydration.

Treating and minimizing symptoms

Dengue virus lacks a specific cure and hence its treatment depends mostly on treating the symptoms and eliminating the virus from the body using antibiotics. You should take paracetamol to treat high fever temperatures and other medications for stomach pain, nausea, etc.

Avoid Painkillers

Medications like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and diclofenac should be avoided. These painkillers may result in various complications including internal bleeding in the stomach or intestines. They may also lead to heart complications as they are blood thinners.

Papaya Leaves

Papaya leaves can be quite beneficial during Dengue. Dengue infections often result in severely low blood platelet counts. Since ancient times, consuming papaya leaves has been believed to increase platelet count and reduce dengue symptoms. Consuming the juice of papaya leaves can help you recover from dengue quickly.

These leaves are widely used in India for natural recovery from dengue. Many people believe that they help boost the platelet count; some studies support this claim. However, one should not replace medical treatment with this; both can go hand in hand, but only after proper doctor consultation.

Post-Recovery Care for Dengue Patients:

Even after the fever subsides, most people experience prolonged weakness. It is essential not to ignore the post-recovery period and take care of yourself to get back to your pre-dengue self. Here are some tips:

• Keep eating nutritious food like fruits, vegetables, and foods high in protein.
• Drink fluids (juices, electrolytes, coconut water) to stay hydrated.
• Get your platelet count and liver function test done regularly to monitor your recovery.
• Keep in mind to avoid heavy exercises for 2-4 weeks after recovery.

Few Prevention Tips for Dengue

Since there is no cure and specific treatment for dengue infection, it is important to take necessary prevention measures to minimize your chances of contracting the virus. Here are some tips to prevent dengue infection:

Use Mosquito Repellent

Using mosquito repellents can help you prevent contact with mosquitoes, the main vectors of this disease. You should apply mosquito repellent creams or wipes to exposed skin and other areas of the body susceptible to mosquito bites. Using repellent incense and coil is also a good way to keep mosquitoes away.

Wear Protective Clothing

Be sure to wear full-sleeved clothing whenever going outside to crowded places or areas susceptible to mosquito infestation. Preventing yourself from mosquito bites is the primary thing you need to do in order to prevent dengue infection. Protective clothing helps you to fend off mosquito bites. 

Eat immunity boosting diet

Some foods can help build and strengthen your immune system which helps you fight off diseases and infections such as the dengue virus. Foods rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients can help you build this. Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, known for boosting immunity. Similarly, iron, zinc, and selenium-rich foods like spinach, broccoli, and legumes are also beneficial for you.

Do not let water stagnate in your surroundings

Stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. Take a careful look at your surroundings and empty any stagnant water bowls or buckets, fill potholes, and refrain from using water-filled plant pots. Stopping the breeding of mosquitoes in your surroundings reduces the risk of mosquito bites that lead to dengue fever.

Dengue vaccine

Another way to prevent dengue infection is taking a dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia. This vaccine is only administered to people who have previously contracted a variant of the dengue virus. It is a proven and tested vaccine for people between the ages of 9 and 60 years. 

Diagnosis of Dengue Virus

Dengue infection can be hard to diagnose as it is often confused with other vector-borne diseases like Chikungunya, Malaria, and Zika virus. 

Your healthcare may inquire about your travel history and proximity to mosquitoes. It is important to provide all necessary information for proper assessment. 

A few blood tests are also used for the diagnosis of dengue virus, here are some of the common blood tests:

NS1 Antigen Test 

An NS1 Antigen test is used to determine the presence of Non-Structural Protein 1 (NS1) of the Dengue Virus. It diagnoses the virus infection at its active stages. A positive NS1 result indicates the presence of the dengue virus, while a negative result means either the virus is absent or not active anymore. 

IgM and IgG antibodies Test

This test is used to measure the levels of Immunoglobulin antibodies in the body. These antibodies are generally produced about 7-14 days after an infection and may last in the body for months or even a year. A positive IgG and IgM test may indicate a recent presence of dengue virus in the body, which may still be active. This test is usually performed along with the NS1 Antigen test to ascertain if there is an active infection or not.

RNA PCR Test

The Dengue RNA PCR test is used to detect the presence of the genetic RNA of the Dengue Virus in the body. This test can ascertain the specific serotype of the virus and also distinguish it from other similar viral infections like Chikungunya, Zika, and Malaria. It may help in the early detection of the infection.

Learn More: Blood Test For Dengue - Everything You Need To Know

The Key Takeaway

Dengue is a dangerous viral infection transmitted by mosquitoes to humans. It is increasing at an alarming rate worldwide, particularly in the tropical and subtropical regions around the world, including India. 

It is important to adopt measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes and control their population by eliminating possible breeding grounds.

Another crucial step is to take regular health checkups and tests to identify and take care of any possible infection in its early stages. So, if you have been exposed to mosquitoes or feel any symptoms related to dengue, you should Book a Dengue Fever Panel at Redcliffe Labs today. We offer an on-time guarantee and 100% report correctness and are trusted by millions. So, do not wait, just choose Redcliffe Labs- “Healthy India ki trusted lab”.

 

Frequently Asked Questions: 

1. How long does dengue stay in your system?

The dengue virus remains in the bloodstream for almost 7 days after the onset of symptoms. It is during this period that diagnostic tests like the NS1 antigen test or PCR are most accurate. Once the infection subsides, the virus itself leaves the body, but antibodies stay behind. IgM antibodies, which are produced during the initial immune response, can remain in the system for up to two to three months, while IgG antibodies, which are created later and indicate past exposure to dengue, may last for years.

2. Which food is best for dengue recovery?

During recovery, the best foods are those that are light, nutrient-rich, and easy to digest. Fresh fruits such as papaya, kiwi, oranges, and pomegranate help replenish vitamins and antioxidants, while soft proteins like lentils aid in rebuilding strength.

You should, on the other hand, avoid oily, spicy, or heavily processed foods as they may strain digestion and slow recovery.

3. How to boost your immune system after dengue?

After dengue, it's common to feel weak or fatigued. You can boost immunity with a wholesome diet that includes essential vitamins and minerals, regular sleep, and gentle exercise once approved by a doctor. Gentle exercises such as walking, yoga, or light stretching can help improve strength and flexibility. Staying hydrated and giving your body time to rest are also crucial for regaining strength. 

4. How to know if dengue is cured completely?

You can usually tell dengue has resolved once the fever has subsided for at least 48 hours without medication, your blood counts have returned to normal, and energy levels begin to improve. Complete recovery also depends on the absence of new symptoms such as abdominal pain, bleeding, or prolonged weakness. Lingering fatigue may persist for a couple of weeks, but this is part of the body's healing process and not an indication of ongoing infection.

5. How to treat dengue in toddlers?

Treating dengue in toddlers requires extra caution because children are more vulnerable to severe complications. Parents should consult a doctor immediately if a toddler develops a high fever or symptoms of dengue. Adequate hydration with fluids or breast milk is essential, and paracetamol may be used for fever, but medicines like ibuprofen or aspirin should be strictly avoided due to bleeding risks. Parents must closely monitor for warning signs such as persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, or unusual drowsiness. In such cases, hospitalisation may be necessary to ensure the child receives timely medical care.