When is GP consultation recommended for dengue fever?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne infection that can cause a febrile illness with headache, muscle or joint pain, nausea and rash. Symptoms may overlap with other infections. A GP can assess your hydration, symptoms, travel or mosquito exposure and medical history, then advise whether testing, monitoring or hospital care is needed.

Rest, drink small frequent amounts of fluid, and record your temperature and symptoms. Tell the clinician about travel, mosquito bites, pregnancy, childhood or older age, liver disease, blood disorders and medicines. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen unless a clinician specifically advises them, because they can increase bleeding risk; ask what fever relief is suitable for you.

Go to an emergency service for bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stools, severe or persistent abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, difficulty breathing, confusion, fainting, very little urine, cold clammy skin or inability to drink. Warning signs can appear as the fever improves, so continue monitoring and follow the clinician’s safety-net advice.

Ask whether your symptoms fit dengue or another infection, whether testing is needed, how to maintain hydration, and which medicines to avoid. Clarify when you should return, how to monitor urine and bleeding, and which local service to use if symptoms worsen outside clinic hours.