I Got Dengue Fever: What Should I Know?

Dengue fever needs close attention to hydration, symptoms, and warning signs as the illness changes. Arrange medical advice to confirm the diagnosis and discuss monitoring, especially if fever is high or you are pregnant, older, or living with another health condition.

Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes. Fever may occur with headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea, or marked tiredness. A rash or easy bruising can also occur. Symptoms can shift as the fever settles, so feeling temporarily better does not always mean monitoring is no longer needed.

Rest and take frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink. Keep track of urination, fever, vomiting, bleeding, and how alert you feel. Use paracetamol only as directed by a clinician or the package. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless a healthcare professional specifically advises them, because they may increase bleeding risk. Reduce mosquito exposure while unwell by using screens, repellent, and covered skin.

Seek urgent medical care for severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, black stools, unusual sleepiness, confusion, breathing difficulty, cold or clammy skin, or very little urine. Do not wait for all warning signs to appear. A GP Consultation can help assess your symptoms and arrange testing or follow-up.

Ask which pain or fever medicines are suitable, how often you need review, which tests may be useful, and what changes should prompt immediate care. Tell the clinician about bleeding, pregnancy, medicines, and recent mosquito exposure.