What should you know about dengue fever virus?

Dengue is a viral infection rather than a bacterial illness, so antibiotics do not treat the virus. After an infected mosquito bite, symptoms may appear after an interval and can include Fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, and chills. Some people also develop nausea, a rash, or easy bruising. The pattern and severity vary, and symptoms alone cannot confirm the diagnosis.

The virus has related types, and a previous dengue infection does not make every future infection harmless. Tell a clinician about any past dengue illness, travel, or residence in an area where dengue is present.

Rest, drink fluids regularly, and keep a record of your symptoms and their progression. Use only medicines advised by a clinician or pharmacist; some pain medicines can increase bleeding risk when dengue is possible. Avoid mosquito bites during the illness with repellent, covered clothing, screens, or a net.

Arrange a GP Consultation if fever follows mosquito exposure or travel, particularly if you feel increasingly unwell. A clinician can decide whether testing, monitoring, or another explanation for the symptoms needs consideration.

Get urgent medical help for severe belly pain, ongoing vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, black stools, marked drowsiness, confusion, fainting, difficulty breathing, or inability to keep fluids down. Easy bruising or a sudden decline after the fever begins to settle also deserves prompt assessment.

Ask which test timing is appropriate, whether your medicines should change, how much fluid is suitable for you, and which symptoms mean you should return urgently.