What should you know about dengue attack time?

The bite itself may be unnoticed, and a small mark cannot confirm dengue. After an interval with no symptoms, illness can start with fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, or marked tiredness. Symptoms can overlap with other infections, so timing alone cannot diagnose dengue.

The feverish phase may be followed by a period when the temperature changes or falls. That change does not always mean recovery. Warning features can appear around this transition, including increasing abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, unusual sleepiness, or difficulty breathing.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and record when fever and other symptoms began. Use only medicines recommended by a clinician or pharmacist; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen until dengue has been considered because they may increase bleeding risk. Reduce mosquito exposure with screens, long clothing, and an appropriate repellent so mosquitoes are less likely to pick up the virus from you.

Arrange a GP Consultation if fever follows possible mosquito exposure, especially if you have recently travelled or live where dengue occurs. A clinician may decide whether examination and blood tests are needed.

Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, black stools, faintness, confusion, extreme weakness, cold or clammy skin, or breathing difficulty. Get advice promptly if you cannot keep fluids down, are pregnant, or care for a young child, an older adult, or someone with a long-term illness.

Ask which symptoms should trigger same-day review, which pain or fever medicines are suitable, whether you need testing, and how much fluid is appropriate for you. Tell the clinician the possible bite or travel date, your medicines, and any bleeding or vomiting.