Dengue Fever: Symptoms, Warning Signs and When to See a Doctor

Dengue is a viral infection spread by the bite of the Aedes mosquito. Every year, especially during and after the monsoon, Bangladesh sees a large number of dengue cases. Most people recover at home, but some develop severe dengue, which can be life-threatening. Knowing the warning signs early saves lives.

Common symptoms of dengue

• Sudden high fever (often 102–104°F)
• Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
• Muscle, joint and bone pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Skin rash, usually a few days after the fever starts
• Extreme tiredness and loss of appetite

Symptoms usually begin 4–10 days after the mosquito bite and the fever lasts 2–7 days.

The critical phase: when the fever goes down

Many people think the danger is over when the fever drops. In dengue, the opposite can be true. The critical phase usually begins around day 3–7, when the temperature falls. During this time, fluid can leak from blood vessels and the platelet count can drop sharply. Watch the patient very carefully during these days.

Warning signs – go to hospital immediately

• Severe abdominal pain or tenderness
• Vomiting again and again (3 or more times in a day), unable to keep fluids down
• Bleeding from the gums or nose, blood in vomit or black stool
• Restlessness, unusual sleepiness or confusion
• Cold, clammy hands and feet
• Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
• Passing very little urine (nothing for 6 hours or more)

Pregnant women, infants, elderly people and people with diabetes, heart or kidney disease have a higher risk and should be checked by a doctor early.

Which tests are done for dengue?

• NS1 antigen test – most useful in the first 1–5 days of fever.
• Dengue IgM/IgG antibody test – useful after day 5.
• Complete blood count (CBC) – checks platelet count and haematocrit (HCT). Your doctor may repeat it daily during the critical phase.

Home care for mild dengue

• Drink plenty of fluids: oral saline (ORS), water, fruit juice, coconut water, soup. Adults should aim for at least 2.5–3 litres a day unless a doctor advises otherwise.
• Use paracetamol only for fever and pain, in the correct dose.
• Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac or other NSAID painkillers. They increase the risk of bleeding.
• Rest as much as possible.
• Avoid antibiotics and steroids unless prescribed by a doctor.

How to prevent dengue

• Do not let water collect in flower tubs, tyres, AC trays, bottles or rooftops – Aedes breeds in clean, still water.
• Change water in containers at least every 3 days.
• Use mosquito nets, even during the day, and mosquito repellent.
• Wear long-sleeved clothes, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

Does papaya leaf juice increase platelets?

Some small studies suggest a possible benefit, but it is not a proven treatment. Never replace proper fluids, monitoring and medical care with home remedies.

Can you get dengue more than once?

Yes. There are four types of dengue virus. A second infection with a different type carries a higher risk of severe dengue.

If someone in your family has fever during dengue season, consult a TeleRx doctor online to understand the test results and the right care plan. For warning signs, go to the hospital without delay.