7 First Aid Methods for Dengue Fever in Children
First aid for dengue fever in children, is not only an important step in handling emergencies, but also the key to minimizing the serious impact of this disease.
The virus carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito develops rapidly, and can even cause serious complications if left untreated. Therefore, early detection is a smart step to avoid worse consequences. Let's find out more about this disease.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Dengue Fever in Children

One of the main keys to recovering quickly from this disease is recognizing the signs of a child contracting dengue fever. In addition, administering first aid is also effective in preventing more serious follow-up health problems. Below are several major symptoms that you must watch out for.[1]
- Pain behind the eyes.
- Sudden high fever.
- Severe headache.
- Nausea and vomiting leading to dehydration.
- Muscle and joint pain that interferes with activities.
- Mild bleeding, such as bleeding gums and nosebleeds.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) itself generally lasts for 2 to 7 days. Most people can recover from the infection without having to be hospitalized. By understanding these early signs, you can provide measured aid and reduce the risk of further complications in children.
First Aid Steps for Dengue Fever in Children
If you find symptoms or signs like those above, there are several things you can do as a first aid step.
1. Maintaining Hydration

Speaking of first aid for DHF, keeping the body hydrated is the main key.[2] High fever often causes fluids to be lost through diarrhea and vomiting. So, what should a child with DHF drink? Besides plain water, you can provide:
- Isotonics so that lost electrolytes are quickly replenished.
- Guava and orange juice are good for sick people because they are rich in antioxidants.
- Warm soup made from chicken broth is effective for soothing the child and providing energy.
Do not give any drinks containing caffeine, carbonated drinks, or packaged sugary drinks that increase dehydration.
2. Controlling DHF Symptoms with Paracetamol

One of the first steps if affected by DHF is to control the symptoms, especially the fever. Fever accompanied by pain certainly makes the little one uncomfortable.
By using Paracetamol, the fever generally goes down without the risk of bleeding. You need to remember that the use of aspirin and ibuprofen should be avoided.[2] These can increase the risk of bleeding and interfere with platelet function.
3. Monitoring Vital Signs

Always monitor the child's body temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate when they are stricken with DHF. Don't forget to check their blood pressure regularly to know their latest health condition. Monitoring vital signs will help in:
- Early detection of a worsening condition.
- Adjusting fluid intake to avoid dehydration.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.
However, remember – this is only first aid. You must still take your child to the doctor if symptoms worsen.
4. The Importance of Total Rest

Total rest is crucial for children affected by DHF. Not only does it speed up recovery, but rest also helps reduce the risk of complications – including bleeding and other issues.
DHF effectively drains all energy, leaving the patient feeling extremely exhausted. Therefore, rest helps restore energy so that the recovery of damaged cells proceeds more optimally.
5. Use of Anti-Mosquito Repellent

This is a preventive step that is effective in reducing the risk of becoming the next DHF victim, especially for children. Currently, mosquito repellent is available in spray and lotion forms.
These steps, when combined with other prevention efforts such as managing water storage containers to avoid mosquito breeding, can significantly reduce the risk of DHF infection in children.
6. Consumption of Sido Muncul Papaya Leaf

Sido Muncul Papaya Leaf comes with various benefits that are effective for post-dengue recovery. Its nutritional content and active compounds effectively help in increasing platelets.[3]
Not only that, the antioxidants inside help reduce oxidative stress and boost the immune system.
Consuming Sido Muncul Papaya Leaf Extract can be considered as one of the first aid approaches in overcoming DHF symptoms, especially to support faster recovery.
However, it is very important to understand that this does not replace conventional medical treatment. Therefore, the importance of medical consultation cannot be ignored.
7. Consultation with a Doctor

When DHF symptoms are clearly visible and the fever does not subside, taking the child to the doctor is the right step.
The doctor will perform blood tests and evaluate the overall health condition medically. This not only provides a measured solution, but also reduces serious risks.
Increasing awareness about dengue fever and how to prevent and overcome it is an important step in protecting our family.
To support dengue fever recovery efforts, also consider Sido Muncul Papaya Leaf Extract as part of your health routine.
By understanding effective ways to prevent and provide first aid for dengue fever in children, we can reduce the risk of this disease becoming more serious.