Post-dengue fatigue and what to do

Fatigue that results in decreased working ability is very common for a dengue patient even after recovery. The fatigue may followed by tiredness and exhaustion. It is called post-dengue asthenia in medical science.

There is no particular reason responsible for post-dengue asthenia. However, it is assumed that immunity in one’s body, age, mental stress, family history and overall atmosphere may lead to this condition.

Who are at risk 

Anyone can suffer from post-dengue asthenia. Especially women, children and aged people are mostly affected.

 Symptoms 

Severe weakness, headache, body aches, lack of concentration, sleep disorder, dizziness and lack of appetite are the main symptoms after dengue. Many people cannot do or feel to do their routine work even after weeks of recovery.

Tests and diagnosis 

In most cases, there is no need to do any medical test. Fatigue is very normal after recovery from dengue infection. Some of the patients need to go through tests to identify anaemia, salt deficit in blood, thyroid, liver or kidney disease.

What to do 

• Take plenty of nutritious and balanced diet

• Have adequate water and liquid food

• Do not work hard at once after recovery. Do it slow and steady. Do not work more than 10 minutes continuously. Work for 10 minutes and then take rest for 30 minutes. Increase the time of work gradually.

• Sleep properly. Do not travel immediately after recovery.

• Avoid stressing your mind.

 When to see a doctor 

The fatigue may stay from few days to few weeks. There is nothing to worry. But if the condition stays longer and physical condition deteriorates, the patient must see a doctor to identify if there is any other physical condition behind this.

* Rashedul Hasan is an Assistant professor at Green Life Medical College Hospital in Dhaka. This piece, originally published in Prothom Alo print edition, has been rewritten in English by Farjana Liakat