Acute Viral Infection

Last weekend was the longest weekend of my life. Zoe was admitted to the hospital for suspected dengue. 

Last week, I noticed that Zoe would get low-grade fever intermittently everyday. There were no other symptoms -- no cough, no colds, no changes in her energy and eating pattern. I dismissed the first 2 days as fever due to her low water intake but the following days became more alarming to me especially because there weren't other symptoms manifested. On Friday night, we decided to take her to the ER for tests as per advice from her pediatrician.

She went through CBC, urinalysis, and dengue tests. Her dengue and urinalysis turned out negative but the ER doctor was concerned about the drop in her platelet count which normally suggests an infection or possible dengue. After talking to my pedia over the phone, the ER doctor suggested confinement to further observe Zoe's platelet count. 

The first 2 days that Zoe was confined, her platelet count continued to drop. We were in a daze cus she seemed normal and happy. Even her appetite remained the same, although we were advised to refrain from dark food. She had CBC tests every single day and I tried to stay positive and happy for her when they were extracting blood even though deep inside, I wanted to extract blood from the med-techs :S Finally, Zoe's platelet count soared higher than normal yesterday and we were given a go signal to return home. Her pedia's final diagnosis was acute viral infection. Thank God, praise you Lord.

At this time when the weather is all confused and moody, we all have to be extra careful with what we eat, where we go, and who we interact with. I have heard and read horror stories about dengue and other diseases and it really doesn't hurt to be more paranoid than needed and take your kids (or self) to the hospital when you feel a bit ill.