What should you know about precautions during dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness. Fever may occur with headache, muscle aches, joint pain or chills. Some people develop nausea, rash or easy bruising. Symptoms can change as the fever settles, so feeling cooler does not always mean the illness has fully passed.

A clinician assesses your symptoms, hydration, examination findings and any relevant tests. Tell them about pregnancy, chronic illness and every medicine or supplement you take.

Rest and take frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink; small amounts may be easier if you feel sick. Use paracetamol only as advised for fever or pain, and check with a clinician before taking aspirin, ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medicines because they may increase bleeding risk. Use mosquito nets, screens, long sleeves and repellent while feverish to reduce the chance of mosquitoes spreading infection. Keep a simple record of drinking, urination, temperature and new symptoms.

Get urgent medical help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, marked sleepiness, confusion, breathing difficulty, fainting, or inability to drink. Seek prompt advice if urine becomes much less frequent or you cannot keep fluids down. A GP Consultation can help decide how quickly you need review.

Ask which pain relievers are suitable, how much fluid is appropriate for you, whether testing or follow-up is needed, and which changes should prompt emergency care.