An exclusive survey conducted by Google Trends shows that searches for the word “dengue” have increased among residents of Santa Catarina. Due to the recent increase in the incidence no data+ spoke with an infectious disease doctor to better understand whether the treatment of the disease with traditional drugs is recommended.

Dr. Carolina Ponzi clears up doubts about the use of paracetamol for dengue fever – Photo: Pexels/Reproduction/ND

Infectologist Carolina Ponzi clarifies this doubt and explains some of the effects, recommendations and health benefits of using paracetamol in cases of dengue fever.

Dengue and paracetamol

According to the infectious disease specialist, it is not necessary to self-medicate with paracetamol. Ponzi explains that the drug can be used, like analgin, to treat pain and fever, as it relieves these symptoms.

According to another infectious disease specialist, Martoni Moura e Silva, the main symptoms of dengue fever are fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain and retroocular pain, and for these symptoms, the use of analgin or paracetamol is recommended.

Regarding the use of other anti-inflammatory drugs for dengue fever, the doctor warns: “Non-horizontal anti-inflammatory drugs may increase the risk of minor bleeding or more severe bleeding,” he says.

He also points out that the specific treatment is hydration. “It can be oral in outpatient or mild cases and parenteral or intravenous in more severe cases,” he says.

Most mild cases of dengue clear up spontaneously after 10 days.

It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, especially those that indicate a worsening condition, and to seek help from the nearest medical facility.