What should NOT be given for fever in a child suspected of having Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever?

Aspirin should not be given to a child suspected of having Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever due to its blood-thinning properties, which can exacerbate bleeding complications associated with the disease. Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever is characterized by a risk of severe bleeding and vascular leakage, and any medication that can interfere with blood clotting poses an additional risk to the patient.

In contrast, paracetamol is often recommended for managing fever in these cases because it is a safe antipyretic that does not affect platelet function and is less likely to cause gastrointestinal bleeding compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Ibuprofen also has antipyretic properties but, like aspirin, can increase the risk of bleeding and is often avoided in cases of Dengue.

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is valuable in managing dehydration, which can occur in dengue fever due to fever and fluid loss, making it a supportive treatment rather than a direct antipyretic. Therefore, it is critical to avoid medications like aspirin when treating a child with suspected Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever to prevent potential serious complications.