What should you know about dengue virus treatment?

There is no routine medicine that removes dengue virus from the body. A clinician assesses your symptoms, hydration and bleeding risk, sometimes using blood tests to follow changes. Drink fluids regularly, rest, and use only medicines your clinician says are suitable. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless a clinician specifically directs you, because they can increase bleeding risk. A fever may settle before the illness has fully passed, so continue observing how you feel.

Take small, frequent drinks such as water or an oral rehydration solution, especially if appetite is poor. Keep a record of fluid intake, urination, fever, vomiting and any bleeding. Use light clothing and rest in a cool room. Prevent mosquito bites while ill with screens, repellent and covered skin, since mosquitoes can acquire the virus from an infected person. A GP Consultation can help confirm the plan and arrange follow-up.

Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, unusual sleepiness, confusion, breathing difficulty, cold clammy skin or much less urine. Easy Bruising can also signal a bleeding problem. Do not wait for a fever to return before acting; dengue can worsen around the time fever improves.

Ask which pain or fever medicine is appropriate, how much fluid you should aim for, whether you need repeat blood tests, and which symptoms should send you to an emergency department.