What to expect from a GP consultation for dengue fever

Your GP may ask when the fever began, how it has changed, whether you have headache, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, or a rash, and where you have recently travelled or lived. They may review medicines and examine your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, skin, abdomen and general hydration. Blood tests may be arranged when needed to support the assessment or monitor changes. Dengue can change as the fever settles, so the first consultation may include safety-netting rather than a final answer.

Take a list of medicines, the date your symptoms started, recent travel details and any test results. Drink fluids regularly and rest. Ask which fever medicine is suitable, because some painkillers can increase bleeding risk when dengue is possible. Follow the review plan, keep track of vomiting, urine output and new symptoms, and avoid mosquito bites while unwell so mosquitoes are less likely to spread the infection.

Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, marked drowsiness or restlessness, difficulty breathing, fainting, cold clammy skin, or very little urine. These warning signs can appear as the fever improves. Contact your GP promptly if you cannot keep fluids down or symptoms are worsening.

Ask whether dengue is suspected, whether blood tests or a follow-up review are needed, which medicines to avoid, how much fluid to take, and which warning signs require emergency care. You can also ask when it is safe to return to work, exercise or travel.