Young, healthy people can also develop severe dengue complications, doctors warn

Doctors have warned that severe dengue can affect even young, physically fit individuals with no underlying health conditions. Speaking at the India Today HealthWealth Summit 2026 during the session titled 'Operation All Out', Prof. Dr. Sanjeev Bagai and Dr. Sushila Kataria discussed dengue symptoms, complications, vaccination and prevention. Dr Kataria highlighted the unpredictable nature of severe dengue and the possibility of complications developing rapidly. Dengue can enter a critical phase when fever subsides, during which platelet counts may fall and plasma leakage can occur. Warning signs such as severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding and lethargy require immediate medical attention. Doctors also advised against self-medication with antibiotics and painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen and nimesulide. They dismissed claims that papaya leaf juice, bitter gourd juice or goat's milk can increase platelet counts, recommending hydration, rest and medical monitoring instead. Discussing vaccination, Dr Bagai raised concerns about the available clinical evidence and long-term protection, while Dr Kataria stressed that vaccines are an additional layer of protection, not a replacement for mosquito control. The doctors also highlighted Operation All Out in Panditpur near Varanasi and called for year-round mosquito control, public awareness and community participation.