Senyales ng dengue: what to know

Dengue is a viral illness spread by infected mosquitoes. A fever may occur with marked tiredness, headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, or joint pain. Some people develop nausea, a rash, or bleeding signs such as easy bruising. These symptoms overlap with other infections, so symptoms alone cannot confirm dengue.

Symptoms can change as the fever settles. Increasing tummy pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding, unusual sleepiness, confusion, or breathing difficulty are concerning because the illness can affect fluid balance and circulation. A clinician may assess your symptoms, hydration, examination findings, and test results.

Rest, take frequent fluids if you can keep them down, and record your temperature and symptoms. Use only medicines recommended by a clinician or pharmacist; some pain medicines can increase bleeding risk when dengue is possible. Avoid mosquito bites while unwell by using screens, repellent, and covered clothing.

Arrange a GP consultation promptly if fever is significant, persistent, or accompanied by bruising or severe aches. Bring a list of medicines and mention recent travel or mosquito exposure.

Seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, fainting, confusion, marked weakness, cold or clammy skin, or difficulty breathing. Do not wait for a rash or for the fever to become higher. Urgent assessment is also appropriate if a child, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a long-term illness cannot drink or is becoming less responsive.

Ask which symptoms require emergency help, whether testing is needed, which fluids and medicines are suitable, and how to monitor urine, alertness, fever, and bleeding at home.