FLAVIVIRUS INFECTIONS

Flavivirus infections are a serious, potentially life-threatening disease transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. It is distinguished by jaundice and high fever.  This disease is most common in parts of South America and Africa. It is not curable, but the flavivirus infections vaccine can help prevent it.

SYMPTOMS

Flavivirus infections progress quickly, with signs and symptoms appearing three to six days after your exposure. The infection’s initial symptoms are comparable to those of the influenza virus. They are as follows:

  • Muscle pain
  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • Joint pain
  • Chills

Acute Stage

This stage typically lasts three to four days. Typical symptoms include:

  • Backaches
  • Headaches
  • Fever
  • Muscle pain
  • Shivers
  • Flushing
  • Loss of appetite
  • Joint pain

Symptoms will begin to fade after the acute stage has passed. Many individuals recover from flavivirus at this stage, but some develop a more severe form of the disease.

Toxic Stage

The symptoms you feel during the acute stage may go away for up to 24 hours. The symptoms may then reappear, along with new and more severe symptoms. These are some:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Delirium
  • Decreased urination
  • Heartbeat problems
  • Seizures
  • Bleeding from the mouth, nose, and eyes
  • Vomiting

This stage of the disease is often life-threatening, but only 15% of flavivirus infections patients reach this stage.

DIAGNOSIS

If you’ve recently traveled and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, see your healthcare provider right away. Your healthcare provider will inquire about your signs and whether or not you have traveled. If your doctor suspects you have flavivirus infections, a blood test will be ordered. After that, your blood sample will be checked for the existence of the virus or antibodies designed to combat the infection.

TREATMENT

Flavivirus infections are not curable. Treatment consists of symptom management and helping your immune system in combating off the infection by:

  • obtaining adequate fluids, possibly via your veins
  • obtaining oxygen
  • keeping a healthy blood pressure
  • undergoing blood transfusions
  • receiving treatment for any additional infections that may arise

The only way to avoid flavivirus infections is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is given in a single dose. It contains a live, weakened virus that aids your body in developing immunity.

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