What are the treatment options for dengue fever?

Dengue can cause fever, headache, body aches, nausea, rash, and fluid loss. There is no routine medicine that removes the virus, so care supports the body while the illness changes. A GP consultation can assess symptoms, hydration, bleeding risk, pregnancy, age, and other health conditions. A blood test may help with diagnosis or monitoring. Clinical review is especially important as fever settles, because warning signs can appear around that time.

Rest, drink frequent small amounts of suitable fluid, and monitor urination and general alertness. Use fever medicine only as advised by a clinician or pharmacist; avoid aspirin and anti-inflammatory medicines unless a healthcare professional specifically says they are suitable, because they may increase bleeding risk. Avoid mosquito bites while ill by using screens, clothing, and repellent, reducing the chance of passing infection back to mosquitoes.

Get emergency help for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, vomiting blood, black stools, difficulty breathing, faintness, marked drowsiness, restlessness, or cold and clammy skin. Seek prompt review if drinking is difficult, urine becomes very reduced, fever returns after improving, or the person is pregnant, very young, older, or has another significant condition.

Ask which fluids and fever medicines are suitable, whether a blood test is needed, how often to monitor symptoms, and which warning signs require emergency care. Tell the clinician about travel, pregnancy, bleeding problems, and all medicines being taken.