What are the first signs of dengue fever?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness. The early illness can resemble other infections, so symptoms do not confirm dengue by themselves. A Fever with headache, body aches or Joint Pain is a reason to discuss the pattern with a clinician, particularly after travel or living in an area where dengue occurs. A faint rash, easy bruising or unusual bleeding can also appear. Symptoms may change as the fever settles, which means feeling briefly better does not rule out a developing complication.

Contact a GP Consultation and mention when the fever began, recent travel, mosquito exposure, medicines, and any bleeding. Rest, drink fluids if you can, and use only fever relief advised by a clinician or pharmacist. Do not self-treat with medicines that can increase bleeding risk without checking first. A Blood Test may be used alongside the examination, with timing affecting which tests are useful. Avoid mosquito bites while unwell to reduce onward spread.

Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, unusual bruising, extreme sleepiness, restlessness, breathing difficulty, cold clammy skin, or inability to drink. These warning signs can occur around the time a fever changes and should not be monitored at home.

Could this be dengue or another infection? Do I need a Blood Test now or later? Which fluids and fever medicines are suitable? What warning signs should my household watch for?