What should you know about dengue fatigue?

Fatigue is a low-energy feeling that can follow an infection, poor sleep, emotional strain or not drinking enough. It may occur with COVID-19, dehydration or anaemia, and ongoing fatigue can also be associated with chronic kidney disease, coeliac disease or chronic fatigue syndrome.

The pattern matters: note when the tiredness began, whether rest helps, and whether you also have fever, breathlessness, dizziness, weight change, thirst, bowel symptoms or low mood. Fatigue alone does not identify one condition, so a clinician may ask about health, medicines and daily function.

Keep regular sleep and wake times, eat balanced meals, drink to thirst unless you have been given a fluid restriction, and pace activity with planned rests. Avoid using alcohol to manage tiredness, since it can worsen sleep and energy. Keep a brief symptom diary to take to a GP consultation.

Arrange an assessment if fatigue persists, interferes with work or caring, or comes with other symptoms. Mention snoring, heavy menstrual bleeding, dietary restrictions, recent infection, stress and any new medicine because each can change the evaluation.

Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness, chest pain, fainting, new confusion, one-sided weakness, black or bloody stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Sudden extreme weakness with dizziness or very little urine can also signal a problem requiring prompt assessment.

Ask what causes fit your pattern, whether blood tests or other checks are appropriate, how to pace activity, and which changes should prompt earlier review. Tell the clinician if fatigue is affecting driving, work or basic self-care.