Dengue Fever: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe This Season

By Mr. Ajay Kaushik
Medical Director, Sheetal Chhaya Diagnostics

As the rains arrive and the weather changes, we see a sharp rise in mosquito-borne illnesses, and dengue fever is one of the most common — and dangerous — of them all. At Sheetal Chhaya Diagnostics, we’ve seen firsthand how quickly dengue can affect families, and how important early diagnosis and awareness truly are.

In this blog, let’s break down what dengue is, how to spot it early, and how you can protect your loved ones.

So, What Exactly Is Dengue Fever?

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which bites mostly during the daytime. The infection is caused by one of four dengue viruses (DENV-1 to DENV-4), and unfortunately, you can be infected more than once — immunity to one type doesn’t protect you from the others.

Dengue isn’t spread from person to person. It spreads when a mosquito bites an infected person and then bites someone else.

What Does Dengue Feel Like?

If you've ever heard the term “breakbone fever,” it comes from the intense joint and muscle pain dengue causes. Symptoms usually appear between 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Common symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever

• Severe headache

• Pain behind the eyes

• Joint and muscle pain

• Fatigue or weakness

• Nausea, vomiting

• Skin rash (often appearing a few days after the fever starts)

Most cases are mild and go away with rest. But some people develop severe dengue, which can be life-threatening and needs immediate medical care.

Watch out for warning signs like:

• Bleeding from gums or nose

• Severe abdominal pain

• Difficulty breathing

• Frequent vomiting

• Sudden drop in blood pressure

Who Is Most at Risk?

While anyone can get dengue, it tends to affect:

• Children and elderly individuals

• People with low immunity

• Residents of crowded cities or places with poor sanitation

• People who’ve had dengue before (they are more likely to get severe dengue the next time)

Why Early Testing Matters

At Sheetal Chhaya Diagnostics, we strongly encourage early testing — especially if you have a high fever for more than two days.

We offer a range of dengue tests, including:

• Dengue NS1 Antigen Test (best in early days)

• IgM and IgG Antibody Tests (help identify the infection phase)

Thanks to our home sample collection service via SCD Homecare, getting tested is now easier and safer than ever. You don’t need to step out — we’ll come to you.

How Is Dengue Treated?

There’s no specific cure for dengue, but proper supportive care makes a big difference.

Here’s what to do:

• Get plenty of rest

• Stay well hydrated — drink water, ORS, coconut water, etc.

• Take paracetamol for fever and pain (never take aspirin or ibuprofen, as they increase bleeding risk)

• Regular monitoring of platelet counts if advised by a doctor

In severe cases, hospitalization is essential to manage fluids and monitor bleeding or shock symptoms.

Can Dengue Be Prevented?

Absolutely! The key is to avoid mosquito bites and stop mosquito breeding around your home.

Here’s what you can do:

• Wear full-sleeved clothing, especially during mornings and evenings

• Use mosquito repellents and nets

• Empty containers with stagnant water (buckets, pots, coolers)

• Cover water tanks tightly

• Use mosquito screens on doors and windows

Also, spread the word in your community. Clean surroundings help everyone stay safe.

Why Choose Sheetal Chhaya Diagnostics?

At Sheetal Chhaya Diagnostics, we combine accurate lab testing with compassionate care. Under the leadership of Mr. Ajay Kaushik, we’ve been working to make diagnostics accessible, reliable, and patient-friendly.

With our SCD Homecare service, you can:

• Book home sample collections

• Access reports online

• Get fast turnaround times

• Avoid long queues and exposure in clinics

Final Thoughts

Dengue is serious, but with awareness and timely action, we can manage it effectively. If you or someone in your family shows symptoms, don’t wait. Get tested early and monitor your health carefully.

To book a dengue test from the comfort of your home, visit scdhomecare.com or contact our team today.

Stay safe, stay protected — and let’s beat dengue together.

Sheetal Chhaya Diagnostics — Trusted for Accuracy, Known for Care.