Hemorrhagic Fever: Treatment, Cost and Side Effects

A viral hemorrhagic fever is any condition that prevents the blood from clotting properly. The same condition may also lead to thinning of the blood vessel walls. This can cause blood to leak out, resulting in internal bleeding. This can cause a severe disorder, but it may also lead to a minor disease.

Several diseases are classified under viral hemorrhagic fever. These include Dengue, Yellow Fever, Marburg, Lassa and Ebola. Such diseases are common in tropical regions of the world and the weather conditions in India are perfect for these viruses to breed and spread. Such a condition can affect people when they come in contact with infected animals, people and insects.

There is no treatment for the hemorrhagic fever and vaccinations exist for only a few of the infections. The best approach for most viral hemorrhagic fever is to take preventive measure against them.

In most cases, such a condition remains mild and symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, weakness and dizziness are the common signs of the disease. However, in severe cases, bleeding may occur beneath the skin, inside the organs and at the mouth, eyes or ears. In such a case, the fever may be life threatening and treatment should be started immediately, in a bid to maximize the chances of survival.

Most viral hemorrhagic fevers are easily communicable, which means that the virus can be transmitted from one person to the next or from one infected animal to a healthy human being. For instance, the most common transmitter of such diseases are mosquitoes and ticks. If such a disease is left untreated, it may severely and permanently damage the brain, kidneys, liver, heart lungs and all other organs. Death may also be caused as a result of such a disease.

Since, there is no cure for these viral diseases, the best solution is to take preventative measures. Patients are advised to get vaccinations for diseases such as yellow fever, even though vaccines for other viral hemorrhagic fevers do not exist at the moment. In such a case, patients should take other precautions. For instance, keeping the surrounding areas clean and hygienic is an important step to cut down on mosquito infestation and transmission of viral fevers.

Even though there is no clear treatment for the conditions, Ribavirin is an important drug, which can shorten the course of the infection. Patients also often require supportive care i order to manage the symptoms related to the disease.

People suffering from severe forms of the hemorrhagic fever should seek treatment immediately. In such cases, internal bleeding may be caused, which can be fatal. The treatment will help the patient manage the symptoms and prevent damage to any organs in the body.

People who do not suffer from viral hemorrhagic fever should not seek treatment. Even when the symptoms may be similar, patients should consult the doctor to get a diagnosis before treatment can be started.

Ribavirin is the only major drug used to treat hemorrhagic fevers caused by viruses. The medicine does not cause severe side effects, but may cause headache, muscle pain, dry mouth, weight loss, nausea and mood swings. Apart from this, there are no major side effects from the drug.

There are no guidelines to follow as such. However, patients need to stay under medical supervision for some time after the condition is rectified. This is done to ensure that the disease is completely cured and treated.

Recovery depends on the disease and extent of the condition. In some cases, recovery may occur within a few weeks, while for other viral hemorrhagic fevers the recovery rate may take a few months.

Price of treatment varies, depending on the disease and the severity. At any rate, such a condition can be treated with just Rs. 200 or it may even take Rs. 30,000 tro be cured completely.

Results are permanent, even though the treatment itself does not cure the disease. The disease will take its course and the treatment will help manage the symptoms.

There are no alternative treatment for such diseases, even though homeopathy is quickly gaining traction when it comes to the treatment.