What should you know about dengue progression?

Early dengue commonly causes fever, headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea, or marked tiredness. The temperature may fall while the illness still needs attention; warning signs can appear around this change. Easy bruising or bleeding, increasing abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual sleepiness, restlessness, breathing difficulty, or very little urine can signal a more serious course. Symptoms vary, and a person cannot judge severity from fever alone.

Rest, take frequent fluids if you can keep them down, and record symptoms and temperature. Use medicines only as advised by a clinician, because some pain medicines can increase bleeding risk. Avoid mosquito bites while unwell by using screens, repellent, and covered clothing; this helps reduce spread to other people. Arrange a GP Consultation for an assessment if dengue is suspected or symptoms are changing.

Seek urgent medical care for bleeding, severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, extreme weakness, trouble breathing, cold or clammy skin, or reduced urination. Do not wait for fever to return. Children, older adults, pregnant people, and anyone with significant medical conditions may need earlier review.

Ask which symptoms should trigger same-day care, how to maintain hydration, which medicines are suitable, and whether blood tests or follow-up checks are needed.