Dengue flu: how it differs from ordinary flu

Dengue flu is not the same infection as seasonal influenza. Dengue may present with fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and joint pain; some people also develop nausea, rash, easy bruising or other bleeding. The pattern can overlap with other viral illnesses, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause. A GP can review travel or mosquito exposure, examine you and decide whether testing or follow-up is appropriate.

Rest in a cool room and drink small amounts often. Oral rehydration fluids may help when sweating, vomiting or poor appetite makes drinking harder. Note changes in alertness, urine output, bleeding and the ability to keep fluids down. Take medicines only as advised, and avoid aspirin or ibuprofen unless prescribed because they may worsen bleeding. Use mosquito protection while unwell and arrange medical advice rather than relying on the label dengue flu.

Get urgent medical help for severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, blood in vomit or stools, bleeding from the nose or gums, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, cold clammy skin or very little urine. A rapid change after the fever improves is also a reason for prompt assessment. Emergency services are appropriate if the person is collapsing, difficult to wake or unable to drink.

Ask whether the illness could be dengue, how to maintain fluids, which medicine is suitable, and when a repeat assessment or blood test is needed.