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Dengue Fever
Dengue is a viral infection spread by day-biting Aedes mosquitoes, common in India during and after the monsoon. Most people recover, but warning signs need urgent care.
Causes & risk factors
- Dengue virus spread by Aedes mosquito bites
- Mosquitoes breeding in clean, standing water
- Peak spread during and after monsoon
- Being bitten by an infected mosquito
- Living or travelling in areas with outbreaks
Common symptoms
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Severe joint and muscle pain
- Rash
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme tiredness
Tests & diagnosis
- Dengue test (NS1/antibody)
- Platelet count
- Full blood count (CBC)
- Haematocrit (PCV)
Treatment & management
- Rest and plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
- Paracetamol for fever (avoid aspirin/ibuprofen)
- Monitoring platelet count and warning signs
- Hospital care with fluids if warning signs appear
- Mosquito control to prevent spread
When to see a doctor urgently
- Bleeding gums, nose or blood in vomit/stool — call your local emergency number now
- Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or restlessness — urgent
- Cold, clammy skin or fainting — emergency
- Warning signs typically appear as the fever settles
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about dengue fever. It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Why avoid aspirin and ibuprofen in dengue?
They can increase the risk of bleeding, which is already a concern in dengue. Paracetamol is preferred for fever and pain.
When are the danger days in dengue?
Warning signs often appear around days 3-7, as the fever comes down. This is when close monitoring matters most.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.