Strengthening Children's Immune Systems to Overcome Dengue Fever

Dengue fever can affect anyone, from adults to infants. Caused by a virus carried and spread through mosquito bites, this disease can be fatal, and it can even lead to death if not treated promptly.

Various symptoms that indicate someone has dengue fever will appear and accompany the development of the condition, including when a child experiences it. However, some children may not experience mild symptoms of dengue fever. Mild symptoms usually appear within four days to two weeks after a child is bitten by a mosquito. Aedes aegyPTi. Typically, dengue fever symptoms last for 2-7 days. The symptoms of dengue fever in children are as follows.

Experiencing a high fever, generally reaching 40°C.
The appearance of pain in the back of the eyes, joints, muscles, or bones.
Severe headaches may also accompany symptoms in children.
Bruises easily.
The appearance of a rash on most of the body.
Light bleeding through the nose or gums.

What to Do When a Child Has Dengue Fever?

Don't panic when your child has dengue fever, it is recommended to do these simple things first, namely:

Ask the child to rest to recover energy.
Give him plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Provide nutritious food intake

Next, take your child to a pediatrician for a proper diagnosis. Typically, the doctor will prescribe paracetamol or acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain. Additionally, the doctor will prescribe therapy as part of the treatment process. As a parent, it's recommended not to give your child ibuprofen or aspirin, as they may negatively impact blood platelet counts. Monitor your child closely at home, especially after the fever subsides. If your child experiences vomiting and a general deterioration in their condition within 24 hours, return them to the hospital immediately.

What Should Be Done to Prevent Children from Dengue Fever?

One step you can take to strengthen your immune system and protect your child from the risk of mosquito bites that cause dengue fever is to consume sufficient vitamin C. Adequate vitamin C intake can strengthen a child's immune system. Furthermore, other aspects of a child's growth and development are affected by vitamin C intake, such as:

Helps the formation and repair of red blood cells, including the formation of bones and tissues.
Strengthens children's blood vessels and minimizes bruising due to bumps or scratches.
Healthy gums.
Faster wound healing. Supports iron absorption from food sources.

Guava is one fruit that mothers can choose to meet their child's vitamin C needs. Guava contains four times more vitamin C than oranges. To support medical therapy, mothers can also use guava. Psidium guava Also known as guava, guava leaves are believed to be beneficial in preventing platelet count declines caused by dengue virus infection. A decoction of guava leaves, which contain quercetin, is considered effective in fighting dengue virus cells by inhibiting the formation of these enzymes. The benefits of guava fruit extend beyond this, as ripe guava fruit is believed to help prevent platelet decline in dengue fever patients.

Dengue fever in children is quite dangerous, but there's no need to panic. Strengthen your immune system before and during your child's illness, and consult a doctor immediately for advice on appropriate treatment for dengue fever symptoms.