Dengue day by day symptoms: what to expect

In the early febrile phase, a person may develop a high fever quickly, with headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea, reduced appetite, and exhaustion. A blotchy rash can appear as the illness continues, although not everyone develops one.

Dengue commonly lasts several days, and symptoms do not follow an identical timetable for everyone. The point at which the fever improves deserves attention: some people begin to recover, while others develop warning signs around this transition. New abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, easy bruising, black stools, breathing difficulty, or extreme weakness should not be treated as a normal part of recovery.

During recovery, appetite, energy, and hydration usually improve gradually. Tiredness can continue after the fever has gone. Dengue can resemble other infections, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis; a clinician may combine an examination with testing chosen for the stage of illness.

Rest and take frequent fluids, such as water or an oral rehydration drink, especially if fever, sweating, vomiting, or poor appetite is reducing intake. Keep track of urination and whether the person can drink. Use paracetamol only as directed by a healthcare professional or the product label for fever or pain. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless a clinician specifically advises them, because dengue can increase bleeding risk.

Use mosquito protection while fever is present, including screens, long clothing, and an appropriate repellent. A mosquito that bites an infected person can help spread dengue to others. Arrange a GP consultation for suspected dengue, particularly after travel or residence in an area where dengue occurs, and mention when the fever started and how symptoms have changed.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, blood in vomit or stool, marked drowsiness or confusion, fainting, cold or clammy skin, difficulty breathing, or inability to drink. These symptoms can signal serious illness even when the temperature is falling.

Get medical advice promptly for a child, older adult, pregnant person, or anyone with a long-term condition who may have dengue. Do not wait for a rash or for every classic symptom to appear. If the person becomes difficult to wake, has a seizure, or struggles to breathe, call emergency services immediately.

Ask whether the symptoms and travel history fit dengue or another infection, whether testing is useful at this stage, which pain or fever medicines are suitable, how much fluid is reasonable, and which changes should trigger urgent reassessment. Bring a list of medicines and the date the fever began.