What should you know about care for dengue patients?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness that can cause fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, and marked tiredness. Some people develop nausea, a rash, or easy bruising. Symptoms can change as the fever settles, so feeling cooler does not always mean the illness has fully passed. A clinician may assess hydration, bleeding symptoms, abdominal discomfort, alertness, and blood results. Dengue can overlap with other infections, making professional assessment useful when fever follows travel or mosquito exposure.

Rest and take frequent small drinks to support hydration; oral fluids may be easier when appetite is poor. Follow the medicine advice given by your clinician and check before taking pain or fever medicines, because some products can increase bleeding risk. Avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines unless a clinician specifically says they are suitable. Use mosquito protection while unwell so mosquitoes are less likely to spread infection to others. Keep a simple record of temperature, drinking, urine output, vomiting, pain, rash, and bleeding.

Get urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, unusual sleepiness, confusion, difficulty breathing, cold or clammy skin, or very little urine. Seek review for persistent fever, worsening weakness, inability to drink, or new bruising. Children, pregnant people, older adults, and people with other medical conditions may need closer monitoring.

Ask how often you should be reviewed, which fluids and medicines are suitable, and which warning signs matter most for you. Confirm when normal activity can resume and whether anyone at home needs advice about mosquito avoidance.