Type 4 dengue is one of the four different types of dengue transmitted by the bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito and, therefore, causes symptoms similar to those of common dengue, such as fever, fatigue and pain throughout the body.
Usually, the patient is immune to one type of dengue after recovering from the disease; however, one can take one of the other 3 types and so it is important to maintain preventive measures such as putting mosquito repellent even after having the disease .
Type 4 dengue has a cure because the body is able to eliminate the virus, however, it may be necessary to use painkillers, such as Paracetamol, to relieve symptoms.
Symptoms of dengue type 4
The symptoms of dengue type 4 are similar to other types of dengue and include:
- Excessive tiredness;
- Pain in the back of the eyes;
- Headache;
- Pain in muscles and joints;
- General malaise;
- Fever above 39ºC;
- Nausea and vomiting;
- Urticaria on the skin.
The signs and symptoms of dengue type 4 may be mild and, for this reason, the disease can be confused with the flu. However, in other cases, dengue type 4 can cause strong symptoms and complications such as bleeding from the nose and gums.
Dengue type 4 is not more aggressive than other types of dengue, but can affect more people, since most of the population does not have immunity against this type of dengue virus.
Treatment for dengue type 4
Dengue type 4 is a type of dengue that, although not more severe than type 1, 2 or 3, symptoms manifest more intensely, especially when the individual has had dengue on previous occasions.
Treatment for type 4 dengue should be guided by the general practitioner, but usually includes the use of analgesics and antipyretics, such as acetaminophen or acetaminophen, to relieve symptoms until the body is able to eliminate the virus.
According to the Ministry of Health, patients should rest, drink plenty of liquids, such as water, tea or coconut water, and avoid using ASA drugs, such as aspirin, because they increase the risk of bleeding, worsening the symptoms of dengue.
