DENGUE FEVER SEASON IS HERE – DON’T LET YOUR GUARD DOWN WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH! 🦟⚠️

📢 According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam has recorded more than 65,000 dengue fever cases nationwide, with Ho Chi Minh City being one of the areas experiencing a significant rise in infections. Alarmingly, the number of cases has increased by more than 2.2 times compared to the same period last year, especially across Southern provinces (*)

📍 Dengue fever season typically lasts from April to November, with peak outbreaks during the rainy season. Children are among the most vulnerable groups, so parents should take proactive steps to protect their little ones from the risk of infection.

👩🏻‍⚕️ In the article below, Dr. Pham Thi Thuy Trang, Specialist Level I and Head of Pediatrics at CarePlus Clinics, shares important information on recognizing dengue symptoms, proper home care, and effective prevention methods for children.

1️⃣ DENGUE FEVER SYMPTOMS

▶️ Common symptoms include:
High fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, vomiting, and skin rash lasting from 2–7 days.

⚠️ In some cases, dengue can become severe and life-threatening with warning signs such as:
▪️ Severe abdominal pain
▪️ Persistent vomiting
▪️ Difficulty breathing
▪️ Bleeding gums
▪️ Vomiting blood or blood in stools
▪️ Nosebleeds
▪️ Bruising
▪️ Seizures
▪️ Cold, clammy hands and feet
▪️ Unusual bleeding between menstrual cycles

These warning signs often appear between days 4–6 of illness. Parents should bring their child to a healthcare facility immediately if any of these symptoms occur, as delayed treatment may lead to serious complications.

2️⃣ DENGUE FEVER TREATMENT

▶️ Except for a small number of severe cases requiring hospitalization, most children can be monitored at home with scheduled follow-up visits and blood tests.

▶️ Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever. Management mainly focuses on relieving symptoms and preventing complications.

⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTES WHEN USING FEVER MEDICATIONS FOR CHILDREN

❌ DO NOT use Aspirin or Ibuprofen for dengue fever, as these medications may worsen bleeding and increase the risk of stomach hemorrhage, which can be life-threatening.

✅ The safest option for relieving fever and pain in children is single-ingredient paracetamol:
▪️ Dosage: 10–15 mg/kg per dose
▪️ Every 4–6 hours if needed
▪️ Maximum dose: 60 mg/kg within 24 hours

💧 Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids and wear light, comfortable clothing to help reduce fever effectively.

❌ DO NOT self-prescribe antibiotics, as dengue fever is caused by the Dengue virus, and antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections.

3️⃣ DENGUE FEVER PREVENTION

‼️ THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT DENGUE IS TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES (especially during daytime)

▪️ Wear light, breathable clothing in neutral colors
▪️ Apply mosquito repellent
▪️ Eliminate mosquito breeding sites by cleaning water containers weekly
▪️ Use fans, air conditioners, and mosquito nets while sleeping

🔔 In addition, CarePlus is a trusted healthcare provider for dengue fever testing, diagnosis, and treatment for the whole family. Don’t ignore unusual symptoms in your child — early detection and timely treatment are essential.

☎️ Contact CarePlus via fanpage inbox or call our toll-free hotline at 1800 6116 for consultation and appointment booking.