Dengue fever is more than just a seasonal mosquito bite—it’s a viral illness that can lead to severe health complications, especially if ignored or mistreated. It affects millions every year, especially during the monsoon season in tropical and subtropical regions like India, where mosquitoes thrive in stagnant water.
If you've ever experienced sudden high fever, severe body pain, rashes, or unexplained fatigue during or after the rainy season, chances are dengue could be the culprit. Unlike the common flu, dengue can escalate rapidly and, in some cases, become life-threatening. However, with timely diagnosis, proper medical care, and a strong focus on mosquito control, people can fully recover and avoid complications.
Understanding the basics of dengue—its causes, symptoms, stages, and treatment—is the first step in protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Types of Dengue Fever
Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four closely related serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4. A person can be infected with any of these serotypes. In some cases, reinfection with a different type increases the risk of severe illness.
Classic Dengue Fever
This is the most common form. Symptoms include high fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, skin rash, and fatigue. It is often referred to as "breakbone fever" due to intense body aches.
Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)
This is a more severe form of dengue, where small blood vessels become leaky, leading to bleeding under the skin, from the nose or gums, and potentially internal bleeding.
Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS)
This is the most critical form and is life-threatening. It occurs when blood pressure drops dangerously low due to fluid leakage. Immediate medical intervention is necessary.
While most cases are mild and manageable at home, it’s essential to watch for warning signs that may indicate progression to DHF or DSS, especially in children and older adults.
Stages of Dengue Fever: How It Progresses
Dengue typically develops in three stages. Recognizing these stages helps in managing the illness early and avoiding complications.
Stage 1: Febrile Phase (Days 1–3)
Sudden high fever, often reaching 104°F (40°C)
Severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain
Skin rash may appear early
Mild bleeding like nosebleeds or gum bleeding
This stage resembles the flu and often leads people to overlook the illness.
Stage 2: Critical Phase (Days 4–6)
Fever may begin to drop, giving a false sense of recovery
Plasma leakage may occur, leading to low blood pressure or shock
Severe abdominal pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing
Warning signs of dengue hemorrhagic fever or shock syndrome may appear
This is the most dangerous period. Monitoring and hydration are crucial.
Stage 3: Recovery Phase (Days 7–10)
While most recover fully, fatigue may last for weeks after the fever subsides.
What Causes Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, primarily Aedes aegypti. The mosquito becomes infected after biting someone with the dengue virus. Once infected, it can spread the virus to others through its bites.
Main Causes and Risk Factors
Mosquito Bites: The Aedes mosquito bites during early morning and late afternoon. Even a single bite can transmit the virus.
Stagnant Water: Water collected in coolers, flower pots, or garbage can lids provides perfect breeding grounds.
Urban Living: Dense human populations and poor waste management allow mosquitoes to thrive.
Lack of Mosquito Protection: Not using mosquito nets, repellents, or screens increases risk.
Travel to Endemic Areas: Visiting dengue-prone regions during outbreaks heightens exposure.
Dengue cannot spread directly from one person to another—it needs a mosquito vector. This makes environmental hygiene and mosquito control key to prevention.
Common Symptoms of Dengue Fever
Dengue symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. They may vary in severity depending on age, health, and prior exposure.
Here are the most common dengue fever symptoms:
Sudden high fever: A rapid onset of high-grade fever (often 103°F to 104°F) is the first and most noticeable sign.
Severe headache: Particularly intense pain behind the eyes.
Muscle and joint pain: Often described as bone-breaking pain.
Skin rash: Typically appears 3–5 days after the fever begins, spreading across the body.
Nausea and vomiting: Common in the early days of infection.
Fatigue and weakness: Tiredness lingers long after the fever resolves.
Mild bleeding: Such as nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising.
Swollen glands: In some cases, lymph nodes may become tender or enlarged.
These symptoms can mimic other illnesses such as flu or typhoid. So, if high fever persists beyond two days, especially during dengue season, consult a doctor.
When Should You See a Doctor for Dengue?
Seek medical help immediately if:
Fever lasts more than 2–3 days, especially with vomiting or rashes
You notice bleeding from gums, nose, or under the skin
There is persistent abdominal pain or tenderness
The patient appears drowsy, confused, or restless
There's difficulty in drinking, urinating, or breathing
Children, elderly, and people with weak immune systems are at higher risk for severe forms of dengue and need closer observation.
How is Dengue Diagnosed?
Early and accurate diagnosis of dengue fever is vital to prevent complications. Doctors use a combination of history-taking, symptom review, and laboratory tests to confirm dengue.
Common Diagnostic Tests
NS1 Antigen Test: Detects viral proteins in blood. Most effective in the early days of fever.
Dengue IgM and IgG Tests: Identify antibodies your body produces in response to the virus.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Tracks platelet count and hematocrit. Falling platelet levels signal severity.
RT-PCR Test: Identifies the specific dengue virus strain. Used in specialized centers.
Most of these tests are available at hospitals and diagnostic labs, especially during outbreak seasons.
What are the Treatment Options for Dengue?
There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever, but with proper medical care, most people recover within a week or two.
Symptom Management
Doctors focus on relieving symptoms and supporting the body's natural healing process:
Fever control using paracetamol (avoid ibuprofen and aspirin due to bleeding risk)
Hydration with plenty of fluids, ORS, or electrolyte solutions
Rest to conserve energy and support immunity
Hospital Care for Severe Cases
Patients showing warning signs or complications may need hospital admission:
Intravenous fluids to manage dehydration and maintain blood pressure
Close monitoring of platelet counts and vitals
Blood transfusions if internal bleeding or extremely low platelets occur
Follow-up and Recovery
Recovery can take 1–2 weeks. Fatigue may linger longer, and patients are advised to:
How to Prevent Dengue Fever?
Since there’s no vaccine for widespread use in India yet, prevention focuses on mosquito control and personal protection.
Preventive Measures
Use mosquito repellents and wear full-sleeve clothing
Sleep under mosquito nets, especially during the day
Remove stagnant water from coolers, pots, buckets, and tires
Cover water storage containers to prevent mosquito breeding
Install window and door screens to block mosquito entry
Use mosquito coils or vaporizers in living spaces
On a community level, governments and local bodies should regularly fog public areas, improve drainage, and educate the public during dengue season.
Public Safety Alert: Protect Yourself from Dengue Fever
What You Need to Know | Do This | Avoid This |
Dengue is spread through the bite of Aedes mosquito | Use mosquito nets, especially while sleeping | Allowing water to collect in containers |
Aedes mosquito bites during the daytime | Apply mosquito repellent on exposed skin | Wearing sleeveless or short clothes during the day |
Symptoms include high fever, eye pain, joint pain, rash | Stay hydrated with ORS, coconut water, fluids | Taking aspirin or ibuprofen without medical advice |
Severe dengue can cause internal bleeding | Seek medical help if fever lasts more than two days | Ignoring warning signs like vomiting or bleeding |
No specific antiviral cure available | Maintain clean surroundings, empty water vessels | Leaving overhead tanks and coolers uncovered |
Most cases rise during monsoon season (July–Nov) | Keep doors and windows closed early morning/evening | Thinking dengue is just like seasonal viral fever |
Consult Top Internal Medicine Specialists at Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon for Effective Dengue Fever Treatment
Dengue fever is a serious infectious disease that can cause prolonged fever, abdominal pain, weakness, and complications if left untreated. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to prevent severe health risks and ensure a full recovery.
At Artemis Hospital, our expert internal medicine team is committed to providing comprehensive care for dengue fever using evidence-based protocols. With advanced diagnostic facilities, personalised treatment plans, and patient education on prevention, we offer holistic management to help you recover quickly and safely. Whether you need support with symptoms, monitoring, or preventive advice, our specialists ensure expert care at every step.
Book an appointment with a doctor and get expert guidance today.
Call our customer care at +91-124-451-1111 or WhatsApp at +91 959-928-5476. You can also book online through the Artemis Health app (available on iOS & Android).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How is dengue fever different from malaria or typhoid?
Dengue is caused by a virus transmitted through mosquito bites, while malaria is caused by a parasite and typhoid by bacteria. Unlike typhoid and malaria, dengue usually doesn’t cause chills or affect the intestines but often includes joint pain and rashes.
What should I eat during dengue fever?
Eat light, nutritious foods like porridge, soup, fruits, and boiled vegetables. Papaya leaf extract is often suggested in India, though scientific evidence is limited. Staying hydrated is most important—drink coconut water, juices, and ORS.
When should I go to the hospital for dengue?
You should seek medical attention if you have high fever with severe abdominal pain, bleeding gums or nose, vomiting, or extreme weakness. These could be signs of severe dengue, which needs urgent care.
Can I take ibuprofen or aspirin for dengue fever?
Avoid taking ibuprofen or aspirin because they increase the risk of bleeding. Stick to paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever and pain, but only under a doctor’s guidance.
How long does dengue fever last?
Dengue usually lasts 7–10 days. The fever phase lasts 2–5 days, followed by a critical phase with possible complications, and then a recovery phase. However, weakness may linger for weeks.
What are the warning signs of severe dengue?
Watch for intense abdominal pain, continuous vomiting, bleeding, restlessness, cold or clammy skin, and a sudden drop in platelet count. These symptoms mean it’s time to rush to the hospital.
