Dengue: what to do

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness. Fever may occur with headache, marked muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea, or a rash. A person with dengue can become more unwell as the fever settles, so improvement in temperature does not by itself rule out danger.

Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless a clinician specifically tells you to use them, because dengue can increase bleeding risk. Monitor drinking, urination, alertness, and any new bleeding while recovering.

Take small, frequent drinks such as water or an oral rehydration solution. Choose light food if appetite allows, and rest. Use mosquito protection while ill so mosquitoes are less likely to carry the virus onward. Keep a note of symptoms and medicines to share during a consultation.

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, faintness, cold or clammy skin, or inability to drink. These signs need prompt assessment even if the fever has improved.

Ask whether testing is appropriate, which fluids and pain medicine suit you, how often your symptoms should be reviewed, and which warning signs should take you to an emergency department.