Dengue symptoms: an English guide

People with dengue may develop a sudden fever with headache, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea or a rash. Fever is a common presentation of dengue; it does not show that every fever is dengue. Easy bruising or bleeding can signal a more serious course. Language differences should not delay care: write down symptoms in the language most comfortable for you, and take an interpreter or trusted adult to a consultation if communication is difficult.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink often and rest in a cool room. Keep a simple record of temperature readings, urine output, vomiting, pain, rash and any bleeding. Do not take aspirin or ibuprofen without medical advice; ask a clinician or pharmacist about a safer option for fever. Contact a GP Consultation service when dengue is possible, particularly after mosquito exposure or travel in an area where dengue occurs. Use clear words such as fever, headache, body pain and bruising when describing the illness.

Get urgent medical help if there is severe stomach pain, ongoing vomiting, bleeding, black stool, blood in vomit, unusual sleepiness, confusion, trouble breathing, fainting or very little urine. Children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with a long-term illness may need an earlier assessment if fluids are difficult to maintain.

Ask which symptoms matter most, whether a dengue test is suitable, how to manage fever safely, how to measure hydration, and where to go if warning signs appear outside clinic hours.