What does headache feel like with dengue fever?

Dengue-related headache may occur with sudden fever, pain behind the eyes, marked muscle or joint aches, nausea, vomiting, and unusual tiredness. Light may feel uncomfortable, and moving the eyes can increase discomfort for some people. A rash can appear during the illness. These features overlap with other infections, so headache cannot diagnose dengue on its own. Recent travel or residence in an area where dengue occurs, mosquito exposure, and the timing of fever are useful details for a clinician.

Rest in a cool room and drink fluids regularly. Arrange medical advice if dengue is possible, particularly if fever and severe aches are present after travel or mosquito exposure. Do not start aspirin or ibuprofen unless a clinician says they are appropriate, because dengue can affect bleeding risk. Use only medicines recommended for you, and keep a record of fever, vomiting, bleeding, urine output, and alertness.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, extreme weakness, restlessness, fainting, confusion, breathing difficulty, or cold clammy skin. Worsening symptoms as fever settles also need prompt assessment. Do not wait for a rash before seeking help if you feel seriously unwell or cannot drink.

Could my travel or mosquito exposure make dengue possible? Which pain and fever medicines are safe for me? Do I need blood tests or monitoring, and what bleeding, abdominal, or alertness changes should trigger emergency care?