Every dengue season, Assam sees the same scene: a ward full of patients, a family frantically posting “need platelets”, and donors lined up before the doctor has even asked. Here is what is actually happening, so you can help the right way. ## Why dengue drops platelets Dengue infects the cells that make platelets and also destroys circulating ones. Counts fall for a few days, the critical phase, then recover on their own. Falling counts look terrifying on the report; the count alone rarely decides transfusion. ## When doctors actually transfuse - Active bleeding, or
- Very low counts with warning signs (bleeding gums, black stool, sudden abdominal pain, repeated vomiting), thresholds a haematologist applies, roughly under 10,000,20,000/µL depending on symptoms
- Transfusing above these thresholds adds risk (fluid overload, reactions) without benefit, WHO dengue guidance is explicit about this So if the doctor says “not yet”, that is good medicine, not neglect. ## What families should do 1. Daily counts as advised, watch the warning signs list the ward gives you.
- If transfusion IS advised: it comes from the licensed blood centre, single-donor platelets if an apheresis machine exists, otherwise random platelets from whole-blood units.
- Post the request on the register when the centre asks for donors, one request alerts every compatible donor nearby. Share the link in the community. ## What donors should do - Register and stay reachable, dengue season is exactly when your alert will come.
- Say yes to platelet donation calls if you weigh 50 kg or more, how it differs from whole blood.
- Never sell, never buy, paid donation is illegal, and season-scam brokers appear every year. Related: platelets explained · platelet donors in Assam · find a blood donor fast