Dengue fever: symptoms, warning signs and when to go to hospital
Dengue is common in India during and after the monsoon. Know the symptoms, the warning signs that need urgent care, and how to protect your family.
Dengue is a viral infection spread by the Aedes mosquito, which bites during the day. Most people recover in about a week, but a small number develop severe dengue, so knowing the warning signs saves lives.
Common symptoms
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain ("breakbone fever")
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash, usually a few days after the fever starts
The critical phase
The risky time is often as the fever comes down, around day 3 to day 7. This is when platelets can fall and fluid can leak from blood vessels.
Warning signs: go to hospital straight away
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting again and again
- Bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or stools, black stools
- Feeling very tired, restless or confused
- Cold, clammy skin or fainting
- Passing very little urine
- Fast breathing
In an emergency, call 108.
Care at home (with a doctor's advice)
- Rest and drink plenty of fluids: water, ORS, coconut water, soups
- Use only the fever medicine your doctor recommends; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen
- Get blood tests (including platelet count) as advised
- Keep checking for warning signs, even when the fever has gone
Preventing dengue
- Empty water from coolers, pots, tyres and flower trays every week
- Use mosquito repellent and nets, and wear full sleeves during the day
- Fit mesh on windows
Find a doctor
Fever during the monsoon should be checked by a doctor. Compare general physicians near you or find a hospital near you.
Frequently asked questions
Which medicine is safe for dengue fever?
Ask a doctor. Paracetamol is usually used for fever, but avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and similar painkillers unless a doctor says otherwise, as they can increase bleeding.
When do platelets fall in dengue?
Platelets usually drop between day 3 and day 7 of illness, often as the fever is coming down. This is when close watching matters most.
Does papaya leaf juice cure dengue?
There is no proven cure for dengue. Treatment is careful fluids and monitoring. Do not delay medical care for home remedies.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Please see a doctor for advice about your health. In an emergency, call 108.
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