What are the most common symptoms of dengue?

Dengue is an infection spread by mosquitoes. Fever may come with a strong headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea, or reduced appetite. A mild rash can also occur. Easy bruising or bleeding from the nose or gums is not something to ignore. Symptoms may overlap with other infections, so the pattern and your recent travel or mosquito exposure help a clinician decide what tests or monitoring are appropriate.

Rest and take frequent fluids, especially if fever, sweating, vomiting, or poor appetite makes drinking difficult. Keep a record of your temperature, symptoms, fluid intake, and any bleeding. Use medicines only as advised by a clinician or pharmacist; some pain medicines can increase bleeding risk. Avoid mosquito bites while unwell by using screens, repellent, and covered clothing, because mosquitoes can spread the infection to others.

Arrange a GP Consultation promptly if fever is persistent, symptoms are worsening, you cannot keep fluids down, or you have easy bruising. Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, unusual bleeding, confusion, extreme sleepiness, breathing difficulty, fainting, or cold and clammy skin. Warning signs can appear as the fever settles, so improvement in temperature does not always mean the illness has fully passed.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Dengue Fever, whether blood tests or repeat assessment are needed, which pain relievers are suitable, and how much fluid is appropriate for you.