Don't Underestimate Dengue Fever in Adults

The Indonesian Society of Internal Medicine (PAPDI) is sounding the alarm: dengue fever is not just a childhood illness. Sukamto Koesnoe, head of PAPDI's Adult Immunization Task Force, emphasizes that dengue significantly impacts adults, especially those in their prime working years. "Dengue is often thought of as a disease that primarily affects children, yet the risk for adults remains high and can have widespread consequences," Koesnoe stated. This perspective is crucial for public health awareness in Indonesia, where dengue is a persistent concern.

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Dengue is often thought of as a disease that primarily affects children, yet the risk for adults remains high and can have widespread consequences.

Many adult patients find themselves hospitalized due to dengue, a reality that disrupts not only their personal lives but also their professional responsibilities and family dynamics. The recovery period, often lasting several days, means a significant interruption to daily routines. Furthermore, for adults managing pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, the risk of severe complications from dengue increases substantially. "These conditions can worsen the course of the disease and heighten the need for more intensive medical treatment," Koesnoe explained.

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These conditions can worsen the course of the disease and heighten the need for more intensive medical treatment.

In light of the changing weather patterns and rising temperatures, which contribute to the spread of dengue, PAPDI urges proactive prevention. Koesnoe encourages the public to integrate preventive measures into their daily habits, ranging from environmental control to considering additional protective steps. "During World Mental Health Month, we invite the public to be more proactive in protecting themselves and their families, including consulting with healthcare professionals about available prevention options, such as immunization, tailored to individual needs and conditions," he urged. This integrated approach, combining environmental awareness with health innovations, is vital for comprehensive protection against dengue in Indonesia.

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During this World Immunization Week, we invite the public to be more proactive in protecting themselves and their families, including consulting with healthcare professionals about available prevention options, such as immunization, tailored to individual needs and conditions.

While the focus is on adults, the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) also highlights the unique challenges of dengue in children. Hartono Gunardi, head of IDAI's Child Immunization Task Force, notes that dengue's progression can be unpredictable. A child presenting with common early symptoms like sudden high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, or nausea might rapidly develop severe bleeding and shock, or other complications like seizures and loss of consciousness. This underscores the need for vigilance across all age groups in Indonesia.

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A child with early symptoms of dengue, such as sudden high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, or nausea, can sometimes experience rapid deterioration, leading to severe bleeding and shock. Other complications like seizures and loss of consciousness can also occur.