Gamot sa dengue: supportive care and warning signs

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness. Dengue fever commonly presents with fever and may include headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea or a rash. Easy bruising or bleeding can be a warning sign. Symptoms can change as the fever settles, so feeling temporarily better does not always mean the illness has passed. A clinician may use your symptoms, examination and appropriate tests to guide care.

Rest and take frequent fluids; oral rehydration drinks may help if intake is poor. Use paracetamol only as directed by a clinician or the product label, and check combination medicines so you do not take it twice. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless a clinician specifically advises them, because they may increase bleeding risk. Keep mosquitoes from biting you while you are unwell by using a bed net, screens or repellent. Arrange a GP Consultation for personalised advice, especially for a child, pregnancy or another medical condition.

Seek emergency help for bleeding from the nose or gums, vomiting blood, black stools, severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, extreme sleepiness or cold, clammy skin. Urgent review is also needed if fluids cannot be kept down or urine becomes markedly reduced. Do not wait for a fever to return before acting on these signs.

Could my symptoms fit dengue or another infection? Do I need testing or repeat review? Which pain and fever medicines are safe for me? How can I monitor drinking and urine? Which bleeding or abdominal symptoms require emergency care?