Avoid Painkillers Carelessly if You Have Dengue!
This is an extremely important message for saving lives during dengue fever.
Did you know that if a person with fever is given painkillers like Aspirin, Brufen, Diclofenac, or Mefenamic acid, it can even lead to life-threatening complications?
Many people take these medicines (NSAIDs) at home to reduce fever, body pain, and headaches.
However, if the fever is actually due to dengue, taking these medications can make the condition much more severe.
What happens in dengue?
When a dengue mosquito bites, the virus enters the body.
The virus can reduce the number of platelets in the blood.
Platelets are responsible for stopping bleeding by forming blood clots.
In dengue, because platelets decrease:
- Bleeding from gums may occur
- Nosebleeds may occur
- Blood may appear in urine or stool
- Red spots on the skin and facial redness may appear
Why NSAIDs are dangerous in dengue?
NSAIDs such as Aspirin, Brufen, Diclofenac, and Mefenamic acid:
- Reduce platelet function
- Prevent proper blood clotting
When taken during dengue infection, this can:
Increase bleeding
Worsen the severity of the disease
Increase the risk of death
Risk of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever
In severe dengue, plasma leaks out of blood vessels, causing:
- Low blood pressure
- Reduced blood supply to vital organs (including kidneys)
NSAIDs can further reduce kidney blood flow, increasing the risk of: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Steroids are also unsafe
Without medical advice, taking steroid drugs such as:
- Prednisolone
- Dexamethasone
is also not recommended, as they may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and other complications.
What should you do if you get a fever?
If you develop a fever:
- Take rest
- Use Paracetamol only, in the correct dosage
- Drink plenty of fluids as advised by a doctor
- There is no specific cure for dengue—supportive care is essential
If fever lasts more than 2 days, seek medical attention immediately.
Even if symptoms improve, do not ignore tests like:
- Full Blood Count (FBC)
- Dengue NS1 antigen test
Always follow medical advice carefully.
Final important message
Never give NSAIDs to someone with fever without medical guidance—especially children.
Using the wrong medication can turn a simple fever into a life-threatening condition.