The dangers of self-diagnosing dengue

SELF-DIAGNOSIS, THE process of diagnosing, or identifying, medical conditions in oneself, is potentially more of a danger than you think, as the island now experiences an outbreak of dengue fever.

In a January 3 press conference, Minister of Health Dr Christopher Tufton advised that Jamaicans must consult a doctor if they experience dengue-related symptoms, instead of making a diagnosis for themselves.

“If you feel the headache, the fever, the rash, the joint pains, it is important that you see your physician, whether in the public system or your private physician,” he said.

Because the symptoms of dengue are similar to those of the flu, it is not uncommon for Jamaicans to confuse one for the other and then selfmedicate with popular overthe-counter medications, which might potentially worsen their condition.

“Self-medicating has to be guided,” said Tufton. “Because it is also the flu season, many persons may determine that symptoms related to headache and fever may be a bout of the flu.”

The Ministry of Health recommends that immediate medical attention should be sought once a person with a fever begins to vomit, has severe abdominal pain, bleeding under the skin, feels very weak or gets confused.

Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen

According to ADA Health, if dengue fever is suspected, doctors will generally prescribe rest and plenty of fluids to help support the body in combating the infection.

There is currently no effective vaccine or specific medication to treat dengue fever. Pain relievers containing acetaminophen (paracetamol) can be used to manage some of the symptoms (mainly body pain and headache), but aspirin, ibuprofen and any other anti-inflammatory medication – which can worsen bleeding – should be avoided. If symptoms of dengue fever persist, or if a person is unwell for longer than three days, urgent medical attention should be sought to avoid the risk of complications.