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Merdeka.com – Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) has become a routine illness that occurs every year. Usually after the rainy season ends. When the virus was spread through the mosquito Aides began to attack.
DHF certainly cannot be underestimated. Especially in the middle of a Covid pandemic like this. Must be careful not to get sick. Because it is possible to make things worse.
The Director of vector and zoonotic contagious diseases of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi, M.Epid, emphasized that DHF and Covid-19 both attack the body’s immunity. Even so there are some differences.
The following is an interview from Dr. Siti Nadia Tarmizi with merdeka.com journalist Angga Yudha Pratomo on Friday last week:
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What is the condition of the DHF virus in Indonesia during the Covid-19 period like this?
So the truth is we are aware that the dengue virus is all around us. Viruses if we are weak and bitten by mosquitoes that carry the virus then we will have dengue fever.
Of course why do we always remind, because we can prevent. Namely, by cleaning mosquito nests around our home. So that even if we are sick, it will not get worse. That is why we remind why we must be vigilant in the middle of Covid-19.
Do not let, because of all the news about covid, people will be able to think later, “Wow, I’m a disease that is only covid now.” We also remind, do not forget that dengue fever lurks regularly every year.
Usually when is the season for dengue fever?
We know that DHF arises when intermediaries fit into the rainy season, at the end of the rainy season or even really the rainy season.
At present, how is the condition of dengue fever in Indonesia from year to year?
First we make sure the number of deaths is small. Below 1 percent compared to Covid which is still 6-7 percent. This means that even if we are sick with dengue, the chances of being healthy are far greater, and it is not as scary as if we were exposed to covid.
DHF is indeed very difficult for us to eliminate even though the numbers from year to year tend to go down. The numbers are quite volatile. It means, that in 2017-2018 we will be very small, but in 2019 there will be a big increase.
For the year 2020 until now it has reached 72,000 cases, it seems to have been below the Covid case which reached 80,000 cases. Indeed, the case is fluctuating, so cooperation with the community is needed.
Have complications been discovered between DHF and Covid so far in Indonesia?
Indeed the case was not widely reported. However, at Hasan Sadikin Hospital we found a case. And some private hospitals in Jakarta also been reported.
So it’s not an infection. Maybe at the beginning it was hit by DDB, then later it was affected by covid. At this time is very heavy. And this is a challenge to treat it.
Second, we can covid first. With a variety of symptoms. But those without symptoms, or moderate, then do not rule out the possibility will become severe when he is exposed to DHF.
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How to distinguish between DHF and covid-19 disease?
Dengue and covid fever are both viruses. Begins with fever. But the future is different. For dengue fever will damage blood vessels, so after three days fever does not go down after taking medication, but how come it still has a fever. Then lasts 3-4 days, then cold sweat and feel better body.
This condition must be wary of. Because it’s bleeding. Because if you have a fever there must be bleeding. It is not visible. Sometimes the bleeding is only a small spot on the wrist or then in the folds of the body. It is rather difficult to find the signs of DHF.
But what we can watch out for, for example suddenly the third day we have a nosebleed even though a moment. Or suddenly our gums bleed. Well, actually it’s a sign of dengue. If we don’t go to the hospital immediately, it will be a DHF shock.
What are the levels of patients suffering from DHF?
Dengue fever has three levels. First dengue fever. Namely, dengue fever but the body feels fine. But we can see platelets / blood clotting cells, and has dropped below 150,000, it’s in the second stage. Namely, dengue hemorrhagic fever. For the most severe, DHF Shock. Treatment is indeed rather long.
All depends on the body’s immunity. If our body’s immunity is low, or tired, it tends to be a long recovery period. We recommend not to get sick.
Aside from immunity, what factors make a DHF patient finally die?
Indeed, dengue to the level of shock, there is no treatment. Why do we keep reminding vigilant DHF in covid times, because it’s the same. There is no vaccine yet. This is of course very much determined by the body’s immune and fluid repair.
What we have to protect is not to be late. Many cases have died in the city, usually due to delays.
During the reduced fever phase, lazy to go to the hospital. So it is not alert. His condition actually worsened. Especially in the covid period, it actually makes lazy to the hospital.
In fact, if you have had a fever for three days, you are already taking medicine to reduce your fever, sometimes you tend to think at home. For this reason, we urge not to be late to visit health facilities.
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What steps should be taken for the first treatment for DHF patients?
Remember that this is only first aid. And it is recommended to go to the hospital or health center.
For first aid, recommend the doctors, drink a lot. Because the process of DHF attacks the liquid, and of course drink a lot to reduce the heat. That’s if it’s already high heat, with lots of drinking certainly helps reduce body temperature. The point is drink a lot.
There is also no definitive study about drinking guava juice. At least it becomes one of our ways to replace fluids.
We do not forbid many efforts to be done by many patients. Including using traditional medicine. Because what we understand, various drugs are equally good for increasing endurance.
Is spraying smoke (Fogging) appropriate for preventing the spread of DHF?
For fogging prevention is not an alternative choice. For prevention, we don’t recommend fogging.
Because if there is one infected with DHF, there are 300 thousand mosquitoes around. Which could spread the potential of spreading it to my neighbor. With fogging, it is expected to die quickly.
Meanwhile, if in one RT has been affected by 4-5 people it is also necessary to do mass fogging.
For prevention, too much is done with drugs. As is known, Abate or now Larvasia.
How far can this dengue virus spread through mosquitoes?
Dengue spread is not person to person, but carried out by mosquitoes. Well, this Aides mosquito has the ability to fly 100 meters. It could even go further if riding in public cars. For example, it could be from Cibubur to Tebet.
For that reason, especially during the frequent times in this house, let’s clean up.
What is the appeal of the Ministry of Health for the community to avoid dengue during a corona pandemic like this?
When we face covid, we must not be complacent with other diseases, especially dengue fever. For we must prevent with 3M plus. Close the water bath, drain and recycle. Well plus, planting mosquito repellent plants. For example planting lavender.
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