How is dengue fever treated?

There is no routine medicine that removes dengue virus from the body. Care is usually supportive while the illness runs its course. A clinician assesses symptoms, hydration, bleeding risk and other conditions, and may arrange a [Blood Test](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/blood-test/) to support diagnosis or monitoring.

Drink frequent small amounts of water or an oral rehydration drink if you can keep fluids down. Rest, use paracetamol only as directed by a clinician or the label, and avoid aspirin or ibuprofen unless a healthcare professional says they are suitable, because they can increase bleeding risk.

Contact a GP or urgent care service for advice if dengue is suspected, especially after travel or mosquito exposure. Record temperature changes, fluid intake, urine output and any new symptoms. Use mosquito protection while unwell so mosquitoes are less likely to spread infection to others.

A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can determine whether home care is appropriate and explain follow-up. Information about [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), [Headache](/symptoms/headache/) and [Muscle Aches](/symptoms/muscle-aches/) may help you describe the illness clearly.

Get urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stools, black stools, marked sleepiness, restlessness, breathing difficulty, cold clammy skin, or very little urine.

Warning signs can appear as the fever settles, so feeling cooler does not always mean the illness is over. Seek prompt advice for worsening [Chills](/symptoms/chills/) or [Joint Pain](/symptoms/joint-pain/), inability to drink, or symptoms in pregnancy, babies, older adults or people with significant medical conditions.

Do I need testing or repeat review? Which pain or fever medicines are safe with my health conditions? How much should I drink? Which warning signs should take me to emergency care, and when should I return for assessment?