Dengue Fever in Children: Recognizing the Signs, Early Symptoms, and Warning Signals

BeeFams, did you know that the signs of dengue fever in children are often not obvious at first? Many parents mistake them for a common fever. In fact, dengue in children can progress more rapidly and become dangerous if not treated promptly.

Early Symptoms of Dengue Fever in Children

The early signs of dengue fever in children can be misleading. Many children may appear as if they have the flu or are simply fatigued. However, there are several early symptoms that should not be ignored.

The most common sign is a sudden high fever. A child’s body temperature can rise to 39–40°C and usually lasts for 2–7 days. This fever often does not respond well to fever-reducing medication.

In addition to fever, children may experience:

• Weakness and lethargy, refusing to play and sleeping more often
• Fussiness or frequent crying, especially in toddlers who cannot clearly express discomfort
• Headache and pain behind the eyes, although children may not describe it clearly
• Muscle and joint pain, causing reluctance to move
• Nausea, vomiting, or reduced appetite

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health, early dengue symptoms in children are indeed difficult to distinguish from other viral infections. Therefore, parents need to stay alert.

How Dengue Symptoms in Children Differ from Adults

• Children tend to experience a faster decline in general condition, appearing extremely weak, lacking energy, and less responsive even if they were previously active.
• Pain complaints are often less specific. While adults may clearly report joint pain or headaches, children may only show irritability, restlessness, or unexplained crying.
• The risk of dehydration is higher in children, especially when high fever is accompanied by vomiting and reduced fluid intake.
• Bleeding signs may be subtle, such as mild nosebleeds, bleeding gums when brushing teeth, or small red spots on the skin.

The Critical Phase of Dengue Fever in Children

This phase usually occurs when the fever starts to subside, around day 3 to day 5 after the first symptoms appear. Many parents feel relieved when their child’s fever decreases. However, in dengue fever, the most dangerous phase often occurs after the fever goes down. Warning signs to watch out for include:

• Severe and persistent abdominal pain
• Repeated vomiting, especially if it contains blood or appears dark
• Extreme weakness, restlessness, or excessive sleepiness
• Cold hands and feet despite a normal body temperature
• Decreased urine output
• Bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or increasing red spots on the skin

The World Health Organization (WHO) states that these signs may indicate plasma leakage and the risk of dengue shock syndrome. In children, this condition can worsen quickly and requires immediate medical attention, especially if the child has other underlying health conditions.

What Parents Should Monitor at Home

• Body Temperature

Record your child’s temperature every 4–6 hours. Watch for fever that is difficult to reduce or suddenly drops while the child appears increasingly weak.

• Fluid Intake

Ensure your child continues to drink fluids, even in small but frequent amounts. Dehydration is a serious concern in children with dengue. Pay attention to urine color, dark and reduced urine indicates insufficient fluid intake.

• Behavior and Alertness

Changes such as excessive fussiness, confusion, or unusual drowsiness should raise concern.

• Signs of Bleeding

Check the nose, gums, and skin regularly.

• Medical Test Results

If blood tests have been done, follow the recommended follow-up schedule, as repeated tests are often needed to monitor platelet levels and overall blood condition.

Recognizing dengue symptoms in children early is crucial, but parental vigilance plays an equally important role in preventing the condition from becoming more severe. Do not hesitate to consult a doctor even if symptoms seem mild.

Avoid giving medications carelessly. Drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen are not recommended for dengue fever because they can increase the risk of bleeding. Always use medication as advised by healthcare professionals.

In addition to medical treatment as the top priority, maintaining a child’s immune system during recovery is also important. Natural propolis-based supplements like HDI Propoelix™ can be a trusted nutritional companion to help support the body’s defenses.

HDI Propoelix™ Helps Support Children’s Immune System

HDI Propoelix™ is clinically tested and rich in antioxidants to help maintain immune health and overall well-being. For dengue patients, HDI Propoelix™ helps support platelet recovery and may contribute to a shorter hospitalization period.

Moreover, HDI Propoelix™ helps combat harmful oxidative processes and provides anti-inflammatory support.

Let’s start making HDI Propoelix™ part of your daily routine. Get HDI Propoelix™ and other bee-based products from HDI at hdi.com.

Sources:

• https://www.alodokter.com/5-gejala-dbd-pada-anak-yang-harus-diwaspadai 
• https://www.family.abbott/id-id/pediasure/tools-and-resources/infos-about-child-growth/child-health/ciri-ciri-dbd.html 
• https://www.kidshealth.org.nz/dengue-fever-in-children