Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral disease that occurs worldwide, particularly in tropical regions, and puts nearly half of the world’s population at risk. Many states in India see a rise in cases every monsoon. Knowing how to identify dengue early, and which warning signs mean you must go to hospital, can save lives. This page explains the symptoms of dengue day by day, how it differs from other fevers, the tests, safe home care, the warning signs of severe dengue, and prevention.
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Identifying dengue at a glance
- Suspect dengue when: you have a high fever with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and a rash, in or after exposure to mosquitoes in an area with dengue.
- Test: NS1 antigen in the first 5 days; dengue IgM and IgG after that; and a blood count with platelets and haematocrit.
- Danger period: days 3 to 7, as the fever falls, when severe dengue can develop.
- Warning signs: severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, drowsiness, restlessness or cold, clammy skin: go to hospital immediately.
- Home care: rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol only; avoid aspirin and ibuprofen.
What is dengue fever?
Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, which is spread to people by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. There are four types of the virus, so a person can be infected more than once, and a second infection with a different type carries a higher risk of severe disease. It is not spread directly from person to person.
Most people with dengue have a mild illness, but a small number develop severe dengue, with plasma leakage, bleeding and shock, which can be fatal without prompt care. Health departments work tirelessly to manage seasonal spikes, and early recognition is the best protection.
Symptoms of dengue: the three phases
| Phase | Usual days | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Febrile phase | Days 1 to 3 or 4 | High fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle, bone and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, flushed skin and often a rash |
| Critical phase | Days 3 to 7, as the fever falls | Most people recover; a few develop plasma leakage, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, low platelets and shock |
| Recovery phase | Days 7 to 10 | Appetite returns, blood pressure stabilises, an itchy rash may appear, and the fatigue can last for weeks |
Fever alone is a common symptom of many illnesses. Dengue should be suspected when an intractable high fever lasting two to three days comes with the other features above, particularly in a person who lives in or has visited a dengue area.
Warning signs of severe dengue: go to hospital
- Severe, continuous abdominal pain or tenderness
- Persistent vomiting, or being unable to drink
- Bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, or heavy periods
- Drowsiness, irritability, restlessness or confusion
- Cold, clammy skin, a rapid weak pulse, or fainting
- Rapid breathing or difficulty in breathing
- Very little urine, or a sudden fall in platelet count or rise in haematocrit on tests
These signs usually appear when the fever falls, around days 3 to 7, which is why the period after the fever settles needs the closest watch. Go to a hospital at once.
Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid or ordinary viral fever?
| Illness | Clues | Usual test |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue | Sudden high fever, severe body ache, pain behind eyes, rash, low platelets | NS1 antigen, dengue IgM/IgG, platelet count |
| Malaria | Fever with chills and sweats at intervals, in or after travel to endemic areas | Rapid malaria test, blood smear |
| Chikungunya | High fever with severe joint pain and swelling, often in the small joints | Chikungunya IgM, PCR |
| Typhoid | Step-wise rising fever over days, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhoea | Blood culture, Widal and other tests |
| Viral fever (flu or common viruses) | Fever with cold, cough, sore throat and body ache | Usually clinical; flu tests if needed |
Tests for dengue
- NS1 antigen test, most useful in the first 5 days of fever
- Dengue IgM and IgG antibodies, useful after about the fifth day
- Complete blood count with platelets and haematocrit, repeated as advised to look for a falling platelet count and rising haematocrit
- Liver function tests and other tests in severe cases
A low platelet count does not always mean serious illness, and a normal count early on does not rule out dengue. The decision to go to hospital depends on symptoms and the warning signs above, not on one number.
What to do at home if dengue is suspected
- See a doctor and get tested; do not self-treat a fever lasting more than two days.
- Rest, and drink plenty of fluids: water, oral rehydration solution, soup, coconut water and fruit juices.
- Use paracetamol for fever and pain, as directed by the doctor.
- Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac or other anti-inflammatory painkillers, which can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Follow up with blood tests as advised and watch for warning signs, especially when the fever falls.
- Rest under a mosquito net, so that you do not spread the virus to mosquitoes that could bite others.
Fruit and leaf extracts, including papaya leaf juice, are widely used but have limited proof for raising platelets; hospital monitoring matters more than any home remedy.
Preventing dengue
- Remove standing water around the home from coolers, flower pots, buckets, tyres and drains, at least once a week
- Use mosquito nets, screens, repellents and long-sleeved clothes, especially in the day when Aedes mosquitoes bite
- Support community fogging and clean-up drives
- Build general health with a balanced diet; see our page on superfoods to boost immunity during monsoons
Where homeopathic care fits
Homeopathic care for dengue is offered only as supportive treatment alongside proper medical monitoring, never in place of it. A person with dengue needs blood tests and, when warning signs appear, hospital care. If you have recovered and have fatigue or weakness afterwards, our doctors can plan supportive treatment. See our guide to the 10 best homeopathic medicines for dengue fever.
Frequently asked questions about dengue
1. How do I know if I have dengue?
Suspect dengue if you have a sudden high fever with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, nausea and a rash. A blood test confirms it: NS1 antigen in the first five days, and antibody tests afterwards.
2. How many days does dengue fever last?
The fever usually lasts two to seven days. The critical phase is around the time the fever falls, between days 3 and 7, and full recovery may take weeks.
3. What are the warning signs of severe dengue?
Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, drowsiness or restlessness, cold clammy skin and breathing difficulty. Go to hospital immediately.
4. What platelet count is dangerous in dengue?
There is no single number; the risk depends on symptoms, bleeding and trends. Platelet transfusion is generally reserved for bleeding or very low counts, as decided by the treating doctor.
5. Can I treat dengue at home?
Mild dengue can be managed at home with rest, fluids, paracetamol and regular check-ups, but only under a doctor’s supervision and with close attention to warning signs.
6. Which painkillers should I avoid in dengue?
Avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac and other anti-inflammatory drugs, because they can increase bleeding risk. Paracetamol is preferred.
7. Does papaya leaf juice cure dengue?
Papaya leaf extract has been studied for platelet counts, but the evidence is limited, and it is not a replacement for monitoring and hospital care.
8. How is dengue different from viral fever?
Dengue usually has higher fever, severe body and eye pain, a rash and low platelets, whereas ordinary viral fever tends to come with cough, cold and sore throat. Only tests can tell them apart.
9. Can you get dengue twice?
Yes. There are four dengue virus types, and a second infection with a different type carries a higher risk of severe disease.
10. How can I prevent dengue?
By removing standing water, using nets and repellents, wearing covering clothes and supporting community mosquito control.
Related Reading
- 5 Super Foods To Boost Your Immunity This Monsoons
- 5 Ways to Recover Faster From a Cold
- 10 Best Homeopathic Medicines for Treatment of Stress
- What Is Homeopathy?
To consult Welling Homeopathy experts, call +91 80 80 850 950.
Disclaimer: this page is for information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary from person to person.
