Blood platelets play an essential role in our bodies. They are cell fragments that supplement growth and protect damaged blood vessels from bleeding, and help recover from internal and external physical bruises.
Every dengue patient is recommended to take the Complete Blood Count (CBC) test every day in order to check the platelet count level, especially in the later stages of the fever. Normal blood platelet count should be around 150,000 to 450,000/cmm in humans. Any number lower than 50,000/cmm is alarming and should not be ignored. This kind of drop is observed in people who have been infected by the dengue virus.
Why Does The Platelet Count Decrease?
When a person has dengue, the structure of his bone marrow is compromised which means his blood cells are compromised. This eventually leads to the drop in the number of platelets. Anaemia and active bleeding are side effects of this drop.
Myths About Platelets
The most common myth about platelets is that a fall in its count means dengue. This is false, as a drop in platelet count could be due to a malfunction in bodily processes; it doesn’t have to be dengue.
Another myth is that a dengue patient with a dropping platelet count must be hospitalized immediately. This is unnecessary as it is a normal effect of dengue and gets cured on its own. However, if this drop in platelet count is accompanied by active bleeding then it is a symptom of the Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever and should not be ignored at any cost. Click here to know more about different types of dengue fever.
How To Increase Your Blood Platelet Count?
– Keep your body temperature below 39 degrees Celsius; it facilitates the growth of platelets
– Hydrate all the time
– Drink a lot of fluids and juices
– Fruits like pumpkin, gooseberries (amla) and especially papaya are super effective in increasing platelet count
Click here to know more about the papaya leaves recipe for dengue fever
– Take complete rest; let your immune system build itself back again
When Is A Platelet Transfusion Needed?
Transfusion is necessary when a patient with Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever (DHF) shows a severe drop in platelet count. It is advisable to do it when the platelet count is less than 10,000 and the patient exhibits active bleeding. Platelets protect us from injuries; we cannot afford to lose them. Dengue can be extremely lethal if the necessary precautions are not taken. Protect your family with mosquito repellents. 4 dots of Goodknight Fabric Roll-On on clothes ensures 8 hours of mosquito protection. The 2x power of Goodknight Activ+ System keeps your house mosquito free. Simple steps today will give you and your family a disease free tomorrow.
