As dengue cases begin rising across India, doctors are warning that the virus is far more dangerous than many people realise. While most families panic during high fever, experts say the real danger often begins after the fever comes down - a critical phase when patients may suddenly develop internal bleeding, breathing difficulty, dangerously low platelet counts, or even life-threatening shock.
In this special live chat, eight top doctors and critical care experts answer the most searched and misunderstood questions about dengue - from whether dengue can return a second time, to the warning signs parents often miss in children, which how effective is the vaccine against the vector-borne disease. Doctors explain why low platelet count alone is not always the biggest concern, why children can deteriorate faster than adults, and how simple household habits like stagnant water storage may fuel outbreaks.
“The Takeda vaccine, which has been globally tested, is likely to be efficacious against all dengue strains. One of the major problems with many Dengue vaccines was that they were not efficacious against all the strains, and sometimes there was an adverse reaction against some of the strains,” informed Dr. Ganguly.
“At this given moment, all the data, which is there, it can last for two years, but it can last up to five years,” he added.
“Yes. Many people assume recovery begins once the fever subsides, but in dengue, the period immediately after fever reduction is actually more critical. Around this phase, some patients may enter what is known as the "critical phase," where complications such as plasma leakage, bleeding, breathing difficulty, or a sudden drop in platelet counts and blood pressure can occur,” said Dr. Chatterjee.
“That’s why doctors advise close monitoring for at least 48 hours after fever falls, checking for warning signs (abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, rapid pulse, cold extremities, low urine output). Timely medical attention during this window dramatically lowers the risk of severe outcomes,” added Dr. Mahajan.
According to Dr. Chatterjee, “People with suspected or confirmed dengue should avoid self-medicating, particularly with medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and some other painkillers unless advised by a doctor. These medicines can increase bleeding risk, which is a concern in dengue. It is also important to avoid unnecessary antibiotics or supplements without medical advice, as treatment decisions should be guided by symptoms and clinical evaluation,” he said.
Dr. Chattopadhyay added, Generally, paracetamol is safer for fever and body pain, but even then it should be taken in prescribed dosage with adequate fluids and doctor's guidance.”
“Dengue mosquitoes lay eggs in clean standing water and typically feed during the day. Avoid collecting water in coolers, buckets, flower pots, and open containers to keep your family safe. Replace stored water frequently and cover tanks. Apply mosquito repellents, wear long-sleeved clothing, screen windows and mosquito nets, particularly for the elderly and children. The other aspect of community cleanliness is also crucial as dengue is spreading rapidly during the monsoon and outbreak season,” said Dr. Vineeta.
Yes, a person can have dengue more than once, as there are 4 different kinds of dengue virus. Protection against infection by one type does not extend to the other types. The second infection, in some cases, can be more severe and may have a higher risk of complications such as dengue haemorrhagic fever or shock syndrome,” said Dr. Kalra.
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