What does chills feel like with dengue fever?

During dengue fever, chills may happen as the body temperature rises. You may feel cold despite a warm room, develop goosebumps or shiver involuntarily. The episode can come before or alongside fever and may be followed by sweating when the temperature changes.

Dengue fever can also cause headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint aches, nausea and pronounced fatigue. Chills alone cannot identify the cause; other viral illnesses and non-infectious problems can produce a similar sensation.

Rest, take frequent fluids and record changes in temperature and symptoms. Wear light layers that can be removed when the fever settles, and avoid strenuous activity. Use only fever or pain medicine recommended by a clinician, because some medicines can increase bleeding risk when dengue is possible. Arrange medical advice if fever with chills is new, persistent or worsening, particularly after travel or mosquito exposure.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, unusual drowsiness, confusion, breathing difficulty or fainting. Worsening symptoms as fever begins to settle also need prompt assessment. Keep drinking if able, but do not delay help when a child, older adult, pregnant person or someone with a long-term illness appears severely unwell.

Could this be dengue fever or another infection? Do I need testing? Which medicines are suitable for fever and aches? What warning signs should my family watch for? How much fluid should I try to take?