dengue fever

You should go see a doctor. Dengue is nothing to eff with.

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I have had it twice during the yrs. I have lived here.
They also call it break bone fever as your bones feel sore.
It's was a long time ago so luckily don't remember much but the fatigue, soreness and in one case, I developed a rash on the palms of my hands and soles of my feet towards the end. Get as much rest as you can because you sure won't be able to do much else even if you'd like to.

I had a friend who lived here many years ago who got sick and went to STT hospital emergency room where the newly arrived stateside doctor informed her she had scarlet fever! It wasn't funny to her but I had to laugh when she called, all freaked out, and I had to tell her
she had dengue.

On St John we've had a number of people come down with dengue symptoms, one confirmed with testing. If you're not sick, use repellent like mad; if you're sick, definitely visit the doctor, drink a ton of fluids, and wait it out. Good luck; hope you feel better soon....

thank you all-

Several people on west end of stx have had it over the past couple weeks.

hubby had it last month too-his was worse than mine is

Several people on west end of stx have had it over the past couple weeks.

"It" being officially diagnosed as dengue? Trust me that I'm not arguing for the sake of it but we do tend to get zapped by 'flu strains brought in by tourists which have nothing whatsoever to do with dengue.

Several people on west end of stx have had it over the past couple weeks.

"It" being officially diagnosed as dengue? Trust me that I'm not arguing for the sake of it but we do tend to get zapped by 'flu strains brought in by tourists which have nothing whatsoever to do with dengue.

I hear people every now and then tell me "I think I have dengue fever" and I think, you're on your two feet and not in serious pain... you caught the flu.

there are 4 types of dengue fever, the worse one being what they call "broke back fever" , one of the lesser ones has symptoms which include rash, headache and metallic taste in the mouth-maybe those symptoms are also included in all 4 types? my dengue fever info is at work.

it is possible that they did have dengue fever. the rash and the metallic taste being a pretty good indicator of dengue.

there is no treatment for dengue and no preventive shot that can be given.

once you get one type, you can not get that particular type again-you still have three others that you can get.

the fourth and most severe can be deadly

the best thing for you to do is get rid of all standing water and use mosquito repellent

Several people on west end of stx have had it over the past couple weeks.

"It" being officially diagnosed as dengue? Trust me that I'm not arguing for the sake of it but we do tend to get zapped by 'flu strains brought in by tourists which have nothing whatsoever to do with dengue.

I hear people every now and then tell me "I think I have dengue fever" and I think, you're on your two feet and not in serious pain... you caught the flu.

One of the reasons why I want to get the flu shot, plus not get the flu 😀

You pretty much know when you have dengue.
You don't get a cold, cough, sore throat that are associated with the flu.
You do have extreme fatigue and you get soreness in your muscles and can develop a rash depending on strain you have.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever

Symptoms, which usually begin four to six days after infection and last for up to 10 days, may include
Sudden, high fever
Severe headaches
Pain behind the eyes
Severe joint and muscle pain
Nausea
Vomiting
Skin rash, which appears three to four days after the onset of fever
Mild bleeding (such a nose bleed, bleeding gums, or easy bruising)

Sometimes symptoms are mild and can be mistaken for those of the flu or another viral infection. Younger children and people who have never had the infection before tend to have milder cases than older children and adults. However, serious problems can develop. These include dengue hemorrhagic fever, a rare complication characterized by high fever, damage to lymph and blood vessels, bleeding from the nose and gums, enlargement of the liver, and failure of the circulatory system. The symptoms may progress to massive bleeding, shock, and death. This is called dengue shock syndrome (DSS).

People with weakened immune systems as well as those with a second or subsequent dengue infection are believed to be at greater risk for developing dengue hemorrhagic fever.

I think they should offer free screening for dengue. Since most info says they can't do anything for it, and a lot of people are without insurance, even if you think you might have a mild form of it, a lot of people will just wait it out. I too am feeling pretty bad, high fever, pain behind eyes, headaches, sore joints and muscles. No rash or bleeding though. I don't have insurance and really don't have a couple of hundred bucks to go to the doctor for them to say "you have mild dengue/flu, there is nothing we can do for you" If they offered free dengue screening we would all have a much better picture of dengue outbreaks.

i so agree julie. not sure if the health dept has free testing for dengue.

My husband has all the above symptoms except rash and bleeding. He's too damn stubborn to go to the Dr. so we probably won't know if it's the flu or dengue. I imagine if I come down with the same symptoms, it's the flu. 🙁

There is no such thing as "free screening". Someone has to pay. What you are asking for is "free to you". While I understand your concern, let's call it what it is.

To get absolute confirmation you have dengue, one must get a blood test.

CDC website all about dengue fever.

http://www.cdc.gov/Dengue/

There is no such thing as "free screening". Someone has to pay. What you are asking for is "free to you". While I understand your concern, let's call it what it is.

Why stop here. Let's make everything FREE! All goods and services should be free. Everyone works for free. Let's all be free! Re-elect President Obama and make everything free for everyone forever! 🙂

We don't have to worry about Obama.
Hopefully he will prevail and continue to be President.
He didn't create the mess he inherited from Republican administrations.

We need to worry about the crooks and thieves already in our VI Legislature and their uncontrolled, wasteful spending of our taxpayer money. Just read the Daily News' review of senators' travel documents - "some staying in $600 a night hotels for multiple days," "senators enjoy luxury hotels, expensive meals, room service and car services" having taxpayers pay for their dry cleaning - as well as the rest of the findings in the OIG Audit Report that we have been long awaiting. That should be making your blood boil.

We don't have to worry about Obama.
Hopefully he will prevail and continue to be President.
He didn't create the mess he inherited from Republican administrations.

Yes, it's all the fault of those nasty Republicans. Even though for the last two years of Bush's presidency both houses of congress were controlled by Democrats. And what's President Obama's excuse for being so ineffective? Those nasty Republicans in congress. Those Republicans sure have a lot of influence no matter where they are. I guess we should just get rid of them.

At least I put a smiley to note my sarcasm. 😉

Why can't we just stay on topic?
Thanks for turning dengue fever post into a political forum. Remember the site has the new off topic discussion board - Under a Coconut Tree. Keep it there.

If I had a point re Dengue fever screening, it is if everyone had health insurance (such as the Affordable Care Act) this would not be an issue.

Ditto what BeachcomberStt said... Political discussion can go on a new thread... if its about the U.S. elections please post it on the Under the Coconut Tree sub-forum... if on V.I. elections then post it on the General Board. Thank you!

I agree that those with weak immune systems are more vulnerable, but would advise against using chemical repellants. which are also risky for the weak. Use natural repellants like neem or keep covered up during bad times like dawn or dusk at the beach. I will not use cancer causing chemicals on my skin, but instead choose to cover up with long pants, sox&shoes, long sleeve shirt, hat, etc. Its just common sense. I have not had dengue yet (or cancer) so far. Good health is your best defense; real food -good ; pre packaged food full of msg and additives-bad. Eat good, stay healthy, you will not get sick as easily. That is all.