What should you know about dengue diagnosis?

During an assessment, describe the fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, rash, bruising, vomiting, and fluid intake you have noticed. Mention recent travel, mosquito bites, sick contacts, pregnancy, long-term conditions, and every medicine or supplement. The examination helps the clinician judge hydration, bleeding, abdominal tenderness, and general condition.

A blood test may look for evidence of the virus or the body's response, while other blood tests help monitor blood cells and hydration-related changes. Test choice and timing matter. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms rather than in isolation, and a repeat review may be advised if the illness is evolving.

Book a GP consultation when dengue is suspected and take a clear symptom timeline. Drink small, regular amounts if you can, rest, and keep follow-up appointments. Do not start antibiotics or anti-inflammatory painkillers on your own; they do not treat dengue and some medicines can worsen bleeding risk. Ask how to protect others from mosquito bites while you are ill.

Go to urgent care for severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, black stools, blood in vomit, confusion, unusual sleepiness, breathing difficulty, fainting, or very little urine. These signs can develop around the time fever improves. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with a significant medical condition may need a lower threshold for review.

Ask what the result means, whether another test is needed, when to return, which medicines to avoid, and how to recognise dehydration or bleeding at home.