Dengue first aid: what to do at home

Dengue is an infection that may cause fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills and marked tiredness. Easy bruising or bleeding needs particular attention. Symptoms can change as the fever settles, so feeling temporarily better does not remove the need to watch for warning signs. A clinician may assess your symptoms, hydration and blood results to decide how closely you need monitoring.

Rest and take frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Keep track of how much you drink and whether you are passing urine. Use only fever medicine recommended by a clinician or pharmacist; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless a clinician specifically tells you to use them, because they can increase bleeding risk. Choose light food if tolerated, avoid strenuous activity, and prevent mosquito bites so mosquitoes do not spread the infection to others. Arrange a GP consultation for personalised assessment, especially if fever persists or drinking is difficult.

Seek emergency care for vomiting blood, black stools, bleeding that does not stop, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, confusion, fainting, trouble breathing, cold clammy skin or very little urine. These signs can indicate serious fluid loss or bleeding. Do not wait for a home remedy to work; have someone accompany the person if they are weak or faint.

Ask which fluids and fever medicine are suitable, whether blood tests or follow-up are needed, and which changes should prompt immediate return to care.