What should you know about signs and symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever?

Dengue Fever is an infection that can produce a sudden high fever, intense headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle aches, joint pain, chills, nausea, and profound tiredness. A rash may occur. Some people develop easy bruising or other bleeding as the illness progresses. Warning signs can appear around the time the fever settles, so a temporary drop in temperature does not always mean recovery. Symptoms overlap with other infections, and a clinical assessment is needed to decide whether dengue is likely and whether monitoring is required.

Arrange a GP Consultation promptly if you have fever and significant aches after living in or travelling through a mosquito-exposed area. Rest, drink fluids in small regular amounts, and record temperature, urine output, vomiting, bleeding, and changes in alertness. Use only fever relief recommended by a clinician or pharmacist. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless a clinician specifically advises them, because some dengue complications involve bleeding. Prevent further mosquito bites while unwell.

Seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stools, black stools, easy bruising that is spreading, breathing difficulty, cold or clammy skin, fainting, confusion, or very little urine. Do not wait for a routine appointment when a person becomes difficult to wake or suddenly worsens after the fever changes.

Ask whether your symptoms and travel or mosquito exposure warrant dengue testing, which fluids and fever medicines are suitable, and which warning signs should send you straight to emergency care.