Dengue Viral Fever: Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention

Table of Contents

1. What is a viral fever?
2. What is Dengue?
3. What are the symptoms of dengue fever?
4. Warning Signs of Severe Dengue
5. How to Diagnose Dengue?
6. What is the Treatment for Dengue Fever?
7. How To Prevent Dengue?
8. When Should You See a Doctor?

Fever is common during the monsoon and in other periods when infections are circulating widely. But a high fever accompanied by severe headache, body aches, nausea or a rash should not automatically be labelled as a “viral fever”. In India, dengue is an important cause of acute fever, particularly in areas where Aedes mosquitoes are prevalent.

The symptoms of dengue can overlap with other viral and mosquito-borne infections, so clinical assessment and, when indicated, laboratory testing are important. Early recognition also matters because a person can become seriously ill around the time the fever starts to settle. 

What is a viral fever?

“Viral fever” is a general term for a rise in body temperature caused by a viral infection. It can occur with infections such as influenza, COVID-19 and several other respiratory or systemic viral illnesses.

Symptoms vary depending on the virus, but may include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Runny or blocked nose
• Cough
• Headache
• Body aches and muscle pain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Chills
• Nausea or diarrhoea in some infections

Many uncomplicated viral infections improve with supportive care. However, the course varies by virus, age and overall health, so persistent, severe or unusual fever should be medically evaluated.

What is Dengue?

Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection and is caused by the dengue virus. It is transmitted primarily by infected female Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which are active mainly during the daytime. Dengue occurs widely in tropical and subtropical regions, including India. 

Most of the time, dengue infections are mild or may cause no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they generally begin 4–10 days after infection and commonly last for 2–7 days. Patients mostly recover within one to two weeks, although tiredness can continue for several weeks. Some, however, may develop severe dengue, which can lead to plasma leakage, severe bleeding, shock or organ involvement and requires urgent medical care.

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

Typical symptoms include:

• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache mostly accompanied by pain behind the eyes
• Muscle, bone or joint pain and marked, severe tiredness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rash and swollen glands in some patients

Bleeding from the nose or gums, easy bruising or other bleeding can occur, but bleeding is not required for dengue to be severe. Similarly, a low platelet count can occur during dengue but should not be used on its own to determine whether a patient has severe dengue. 

Warning Signs of Severe Dengue

One important point that is often overlooked and needs to be remembered is that the period when the fever comes down is not necessarily the point of recovery. Warning signs of severe dengue can also appear around the time the fever subsides, particularly during the critical phase of illness. 

Seek urgent medical attention if a person develops:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Rapid or difficult breathing
• Bleeding from the gums or nose
• Blood in vomit or stools
• Marked weakness, restlessness or unusual drowsiness
• Extreme thirst
• Pale, cold or clammy skin
• Reduced urine output or other signs of dehydration

Severe dengue can progress quickly, so these symptoms should not be monitored at home without medical advice. 

How to Diagnose Dengue?

Dengue cannot always be distinguished from other infections simply by looking at the symptoms. Malaria, chikungunya and other illnesses can present in a similar way. 

Depending on the stage of illness, a doctor may recommend:

• Clinical examination and medical history
• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Platelet and haematocrit monitoring when clinically indicated
• NS1 antigen testing during the early phase
• Molecular testing, such as NAAT/PCR, where appropriate
• Dengue IgM antibody testing later in the illness

The most appropriate test depends on how many days the patient has been ill and the local clinical situation. A single platelet count does not confirm or rule out dengue. 

What is the Treatment for Dengue Fever?

There is currently no specific antiviral dengue fever treatment. Management focuses on maintaining hydration, controlling symptoms and watching closely for warning signs. 

Depending on the patient's condition, treatment may include: providing them with adequate oral fluids and electrolytes, making sure they rest well, and administration of paracetamol, but only as advised by the doctor to manage pain and fever. Blood counts and other parameters should be monitored when required, and hospital-based fluid management and supportive care should be provided for patients who develop severe disease

• Aspirin, ibuprofen and other NSAIDs should generally be avoided in suspected or confirmed dengue because they can increase the risk of bleeding. 

Hospitalisation is considered when warning signs, severe dengue, significant dehydration, bleeding or other complications develop, as well as for patients whose underlying health conditions make closer monitoring necessary.

How To Prevent Dengue?

Since dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, prevention depends largely on avoiding mosquito bites and reducing mosquito breeding sites.

• Remove stagnant water from containers, tyres, flowerpots and other areas around the home.
• Cover water storage containers properly.
• Empty and clean domestic water containers regularly.
• Wear clothing that covers the arms and legs when possible.
• Use mosquito repellents as directed.
• Install window and door screens where appropriate.
• Use mosquito nets, particularly for people sleeping during the day.
• Dispose of household waste properly so that it does not become a breeding site.

Because Aedes mosquitoes are primarily active during the day, protection should not be limited to nighttime. 

When Should You See a Doctor?

Not every fever during the monsoon is dengue, and not every fever is simply a viral infection. If fever is high, persistent, unusually severe, or accompanied by significant body aches, vomiting, rash, abdominal pain, bleeding or signs of dehydration, medical evaluation is advisable.

At STAR Hospitals, patients with acute fever can undergo clinical assessment and appropriate laboratory investigations to help identify dengue and other possible causes of fever. Patients who require closer monitoring or hospital-based treatment can also receive supportive medical care, with escalation of treatment when warning signs or complications develop.

Do not rely on the fever coming down or the platelet count alone as proof that the illness is improving. Book an appointment or visit our Banjara Hills or Nanakramguda branches for expert consultation.