Symptoms of Dengue

Dengue fever has a recognisable signature - and a dangerous twist: the riskiest days often begin just as the fever falls. Here is what to watch, day by day.

The classic signature (days 1-4 of fever)

• Sudden HIGH fever (103-105 F), often with severe chills
• Intense body ache - the famous "breakbone" pain in muscles, joints and back
• Severe headache, typically with pain BEHIND THE EYES (retro-orbital pain) - a dengue hallmark
• Extreme tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite
• A flushed face and, in many, a skin rash appearing around day 3-4
• Mild bleeding signs in some: bleeding gums, nose bleeds, easy bruising

The critical phase (days 3-7 - the dangerous window)

As the fever settles is exactly when severe dengue declares itself. Warning signs - go to hospital immediately if any appear:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting (unable to keep fluids down)
• Bleeding: gums, nose, black stools, blood in vomit or urine, heavy periods
• Extreme restlessness or unusual lethargy
• Cold hands and feet, fast weak pulse
• Difficulty breathing or sudden weakness

Recovery phase (after day 7)

• Slow return of energy - weakness and low mood can persist for weeks
• Platelets climb back; the rash may itch as it fades

The practical home rules

• Test early: NS1 antigen test works in the first 5 days of fever - any high fever in dengue season deserves it
• Track platelets: the count matters, but the TREND and the patient's condition matter more than any single number
• Paracetamol only for fever - never aspirin, ibuprofen or brufen
• Hydrate steadily through every phase

One-line summary

Dengue's signature is sudden high fever with breakbone body ache and pain behind the eyes - and its trap is the critical days 3-7 window when fever falls but abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding or lethargy mean hospital now.