What should you know about dengue blood?

A clinician may use blood tests alongside your symptoms, travel or mosquito exposure history, and examination. Testing can look for dengue-related signs in the blood, while a full blood count can help assess platelets and other blood cells. Results can differ depending on when illness began, so one test may not settle the diagnosis. A blood result should be interpreted with your clinical picture rather than in isolation.

Arrange a GP Consultation if dengue is possible, especially after fever with headache, joint pain or muscle aches. Drink fluids regularly if you can, rest, and tell the clinician about medicines and supplements you take. Do not start aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a clinician advises you, because bleeding risk may need consideration. Follow-up testing or assessment may be suggested as symptoms change.

Seek urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, marked drowsiness, breathing difficulty, fainting, or inability to drink. Easy Bruising or a sudden deterioration after fever improves also deserves prompt assessment. These warning signs can occur when dengue needs closer monitoring.

Ask which dengue test is suitable for the day of illness, whether a full blood count is needed, when results are expected, and which symptoms should prompt immediate review.