Hello Doctor,
Can you provide information on the different types of dengue and how they affect the severity of the disease? I’m concerned because I’ve heard that there are multiple strains, and I’m wondering how the type of dengue I might get could impact my symptoms or recovery. Could you explain the differences and the risks involved?
Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to Dr. Galen. Please find the below response to your query.
Dengue fever is caused by four virus serotypes: DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4. While the symptoms are similar across all types, the severity can vary.
1. Primary Infection: If you’ve had dengue before with a different serotype, your immune system may respond faster, reducing symptoms.
2. Secondary Infection: If you're infected with a different serotype after a previous dengue infection, it can lead to more severe conditions like Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) or Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS), which can be life-threatening.
3. Serotype Impact: DEN-2 has been linked to more severe cases, but the severity also depends on your immune response and health history.
Thanks
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