Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) represent a group of severe and often life-threatening illnesses caused by a diverse range of viruses. These infections are characterised by their ability to cause widespread vascular damage, leading to uncontrolled bleeding and organ dysfunction.
VHFs, such as Ebola, Marburg, Lassa fever, and others, have garnered significant attention due to their potential to cause outbreaks with devastating consequences for individuals and communities.
This comprehensive guide delves into Viral Hemorrhagic fever, shedding light on its symptoms, available treatments, and crucial preventive measures to equip readers with the essential knowledge to combat these formidable diseases effectively.
Understanding Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) represent a group of severe and often life-threatening illnesses caused by a diverse range of viruses. These infections are characterised by their ability to cause widespread vascular damage, leading to uncontrolled bleeding and organ dysfunction.
These illnesses may appear minor, but if they are not appropriately treated, they can harm a person's internal organs and even result in death. VHFs damage various bodily organs and have been linked to shock, high fevers, and excessive bleeding (haemorrhage).
Causes Of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
The main ways that VHFs spread are:
Contact with rodents, mosquitoes, and other animals and insectsContact with a person who has the disease Sharing needles/syringes for drugs or medication Engaging in unprotected sexual activity Body fluids such as blood, saliva, and other bodily fluids Inhaling infected urine or faecesSymptoms Of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
The signs and symptoms of viral hemorrhagic fever might vary depending on the virus, but some of the frequent signs and symptoms that VHF patients report include
Body aches Dizziness Fatigue Erratic heartbeat High fever Headache RashesWhen the VHF is severe, the following symptoms may occur:
Breathing difficulties ComaInternal bleedingShockBleeding from the lips, ears, or eyesDiagnosis Of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
The primary purpose of medical examinations is to determine whether or not the patient has a viral fever. The blood sample determines the quantity of platelets, white blood cells (WBCs), and other components.
A urine sample may also measure the amount of uric acid or creatinine in the body. The risk that someone will experience a VHF increases if the specimens are irregular.
Treatment For Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
The treatment for viral hemorrhagic fever is insufficient. Most of the time, medications are given to lessen the effects of the elevated fever. Even so, it can take some time for the recuperation time to get better employing this method. Therefore, if a person is kept waiting in a hospital, it could result in their demise. Therefore, prevention is the best form of treatment for VHF.
Prevention Of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever
Since there is no set course of therapy for viral hemorrhagic fever, people must take precautions to protect themselves from it. Wearing a mask while entering polluted regions with poor sanitation and hygiene is one way to prevent viral hemorrhagic fever. Another is to avoid touching rodents, insects, or unclean stray animals with bare hands.
Wear hand gloves while handling bodily fluids like blood or saliva. Use mosquito-repellent creams to protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks. Avoid direct contact with people who have recently travelled through polluted areas.
When Should I See A Doctor?
It is preferable to see a doctor if you have recently travelled to a populated area, city, or country and are having moderate symptoms like body aches, headaches, and rashes. Even if most VHF cases are minor, it is still best to seek a qualified physician's advice for an accurate diagnosis at a reputable multispecialty hospital.
The Final Say
Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers (VHFs) represent a group of severe and often life-threatening illnesses caused by a diverse range of viruses. Although research is ongoing, there is currently no effective therapy for VHF; therefore, it is essential to protect oneself by donning gloves and a mask when entering populated areas and avoiding direct contact with any fluid or infected objects. Anyone who exhibits even minor VHF symptoms has to have a thorough physical examination.
About Bansal Hospital
Bansal Hospital is a multispeciality hospital and is one of the leading, reputable and reliable healthcare providers trusted by patients and their families across the region. It has all the major departments, including cardiology, neurology, oncology, orthopaedics, gastroenterology, urology, liver transplant, bone marrow transplantation, nephrology, gynaecology and more. The hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and technology and has a team of highly qualified and experienced doctors and medical staff who provide round-the-clock care to the patient.
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