Treatment

• No treatment: No specific antiviral agents exist for dengue.
• Supportive care is advised: Patients should be advised to stay well hydrated and to avoid aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid), aspirin-containing drugs, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) because of their anticoagulant properties.
• Fever should be controlled with acetaminophen and tepid sponge baths.
• Febrile patients should avoid mosquito bites to reduce risk of further transmission.

Severe Dengue

• For those who develop severe dengue, close observation and frequent monitoring in an intensive care unit may be required.
• Prophylactic platelet transfusions in dengue patients are not beneficial and may contribute to fluid overload.
• Administration of corticosteroids has no demonstrated benefit and is potentially harmful to patients; corticosteroids should not be used except in the case of autoimmune-related complication (e.g., hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, immune thrombocytopenia purpura).

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