The Deadly Impact of Dengue! Why is Recurrent Infection Dangerous? Here's the Explanation!

The deadly impact of dengue is very real, Moms and Dads. Every year, according to the WHO, millions of people get infected, and thousands of lives are lost due to this disease. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, and in more severe cases, life-threatening internal bleeding.⁴ In fact, dengue is one of the deadliest diseases in the world.⁴

One factor that makes dengue highly dangerous is the repeated infection. Someone who has been infected with one of the four types of dengue viruses (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4) has a higher risk of experiencing a more severe form, if infected again by a different type. This phenomenon is known as recurrent infection.²

When someone is infected for the first time, their body develops immunity to that serotype of virus. However, if infected by a different serotype in the future, the immune system can enhance the replication of the dengue virus and cause a severe inflammatory reaction. This can lead to inflammation that damages the blood vessels, affects blood clotting, and increases the risk of serious bleeding or dengue shock syndrome (DSS).¹

Greater Risk in Subsequent Infections

As explained earlier, repeated infections can increase the risk of severe dengue syndrome (Severe Dengue), which can lead to life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid recurrent infections with different serotypes of dengue virus.

Individuals infected for the second time are at greater risk, with symptoms like severe abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding from the gums or nose, fatigue, restlessness, vomiting or passing blood, excessive thirst, pale and cold skin, and weakness, which then they would need to get immediate medical treatment, and after recovery, they may feel tired for several weeks⁴

Getting Vaccinated as on of the Preventive Measure Against Severe Dengue

In addition to implementing the 3M Plus approach, one complementary step that can be taken to prevent the fatal impact of dengue and repeated infections is through vaccination. Currently, there are vaccines available to prevent dengue virus infections. However, it is important to consult with a doctor before deciding to get vaccinated. Here are some points to consider before undergoing a dengue vaccination, Moms and Dads:³

Consult with a doctor: It is important to consult with a doctor before getting vaccinated for dengue. The doctor will assess your health condition and provide necessary information before deciding if you are suitable to be vaccinated.

Medical History: Share your medical history with the doctor before undergoing a vaccination. Certain health conditions or specific medical histories may influence the vaccination decision.

Allergies: If you have a history of allergies to the ingredients contained in the dengue vaccine, inform your doctor immediately. The doctor will assess the allergy risk and help determine if a vaccination is safe for you.

Vaccine information: Obtain accurate information about the dengue vaccine and ensure you understand the benefits of the vaccination you will receive.

Current health condition: If you are currently sick or experiencing a fever when you are scheduled for vaccination, it is advisable to postpone vaccination until your health improves. This is done to ensure the vaccine's effectiveness and avoid the risk of complications.

Other vaccinations: Inform the doctor about any other vaccinations you have received or will receive. Some vaccinations may affect the schedule or decision for the dengue vaccine.

By considering the above factors, before undergoing dengue vaccination, Moms and Dads can ensure that the vaccination is carried out safely and comfortably. Always remember that consulting with a doctor is a crucial step in making decisions about dengue vaccines.

This article is intended for public information and awareness, and for educational purposes. The article is not intended as a form of medical advice. This article has been supervised by: Dr. Carissa R.V Pratiwi.

ANPROM/ID/QDE/0532 | Jun 2024

References:

1. NCBI. (2015). The Global Burden of Dengue: An Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2013. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4392842/. Accessed on June 14, 2023.
2. Kementerian Kesehatan Republik Indonesia. (2021). Pedoman Nasional Pelayanan Kedokteran Tatalaksana Infeksi Dengue Anak dan Remaja. Available at: https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/unduhan/fileunduhan_1610413358_685089.pdf. Accessed on June 14, 2023.
3. UNICEF Indonesia. (2021). Hal-hal yang Perlu Diketahui Sebelum, Saat, dan Setelah Menerima Vaksin. Available at: https://www.unicef.org/indonesia/id/coronavirus/hal-hal-yang-perlu-diketahui-sebelum-saat-dan-setelah-menerima-vaksin-covid-19. Accessed on June 14, 2023.
4. WHO. (2021). Dengue and severe dengue. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dengue-and-severe-dengue. Accessed on June 14, 2023.