What should you know about dengue diagnosis and treatment?

A clinician may suspect dengue when fever occurs with headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, rash, nausea, or easy bruising after possible mosquito exposure. A blood sample can support the diagnosis, but the right test depends on when symptoms started. Other blood checks may help monitor blood cells and hydration.

There is no routine medicine that directly clears dengue. Care focuses on fluids, rest, fever comfort, and watching for bleeding or dehydration. Some people can recover with planned outpatient follow-up; others need hospital observation and fluids through a vein when they cannot drink, have warning signs, or need closer monitoring.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink regularly, rest, and keep a record of symptoms and urine output. Take fever relief only as advised by a clinician or pharmacist. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless specifically cleared, and do not self-medicate with antibiotics. Use mosquito protection while ill so mosquitoes are less likely to spread the virus to others.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, black stools, blood in vomit, extreme weakness, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, cold clammy skin, or very little urine. Warning signs may appear as the fever drops. Arrange prompt review if drinking becomes difficult or symptoms are worsening rather than gradually settling.

Ask whether you need testing today, how often you need review, which fluids and medicines are suitable, and what to do if fever returns or bleeding appears.