What is hemorrhagic fever, and can it be treated?
Oct 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, hemorrhagic fever is a naturally occurring zoonotic disease caused by the epidemic hemorrhagic fever virus (hantavirus), with rodents serving as the primary source of infection. With proper and timely treatment, most cases can be cured. Hemorrhagic fever can be treated and cured through various approaches, including general supportive care, physical therapy, medication, surgical intervention, and dialysis.
Generally, hemorrhagic fever is a naturally occurring infectious disease primarily caused by the epidemic hemorrhagic fever virus (hantavirus), with rodents serving as the main source of infection. With proper and timely treatment, most cases can be cured. Hemorrhagic fever can be treated and cured through general management, physical therapy, medication, surgical intervention, dialysis, and other approaches. The details are as follows:
1. General Management
Patients with hemorrhagic fever should rest adequately during treatment. Bed rest is recommended, and strenuous physical activity should be avoided to prevent worsening of symptoms. Patients should also drink plenty of fluids. The environment should remain quiet, clean, and well-ventilated to ensure fresh indoor air.
2. Physical Therapy
Hemorrhagic fever, caused by hantavirus, can spread via the respiratory tract, digestive tract, or aerosols. After infection, the body's heat production exceeds heat dissipation, leading to fever, as well as symptoms such as bleeding and kidney damage. When fever occurs, physical cooling methods—such as wiping the armpits, groin, and other areas with lukewarm water—can help reduce body temperature.
3. Medication
Under medical guidance, antiviral drugs such as ribavirin tablets, antiviral oral solution, and oseltamivir phosphate capsules may be used to treat hemorrhagic fever. These medications help control viral spread and alleviate clinical symptoms.
4. Surgical Treatment
If gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in patients with hemorrhagic fever, endoscopic hemostasis is usually required. In cases of severe bleeding, surgical intervention with suturing may be necessary to stop the bleeding.
5. Dialysis Therapy
If the above treatments are ineffective, patients may undergo blood dialysis or peritoneal dialysis under medical supervision. These procedures help remove metabolic waste products and regulate fluid, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.
If patients experience any discomfort or symptoms, they should seek prompt medical attention at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
