What should you know about long term side effects of dengue fever?

During recovery, energy may return gradually rather than all at once. Reduced appetite, poor sleep, headache, muscle aches, or joint pain may make normal activities feel harder. Easy bruising can also take time to improve, particularly after a more intense illness. These symptoms should trend towards improvement; ongoing or worsening problems deserve an assessment because another condition, dehydration, anaemia, or a complication may need attention.

Rest between activities, drink fluids regularly, and restart exercise gently. Choose nourishing meals as your appetite returns. Keep a simple record of fever, bleeding, pain, energy, and fluid intake. Avoid medicines that can increase bleeding unless a clinician has specifically advised them. A GP Consultation can review persistent symptoms, examine you, and decide whether blood tests or other checks are appropriate.

Seek urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, black stools, confusion, fainting, breathing difficulty, marked drowsiness, or inability to drink. Return promptly if a fever comes back or you become much weaker after an initial improvement. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe if you are pregnant, have another significant illness, or are caring for a young child.

Ask whether your current fatigue or pain fits the expected recovery pattern, whether you need blood tests, which pain medicines are suitable, and when you can resume work, sport, or travel.