Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral fever. Most people recover at home with rest and fluids, but a few develop severe dengue, which needs hospital care within hours. In Noida and Delhi NCR, cases usually rise after the monsoon, from September to November.
What are the symptoms of dengue?
Symptoms usually start 4 to 10 days after a mosquito bite and last 2 to 7 days:
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain (often called breakbone fever)
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite
- Skin rash, commonly after the fever settles
- Extreme tiredness
Which warning signs need a hospital immediately?
Severe dengue often appears when the fever begins to fall, around day 3 to 7. Go to a hospital at once if you notice:
- Severe, persistent abdominal pain
- Repeated vomiting, or being unable to keep fluids down
- Bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or black stools
- Drowsiness, restlessness or irritability
- Cold, clammy skin, rapid breathing or fainting
- A rapid fall in platelet count on a blood test
How should I care for dengue at home?
- Rest completely and drink plenty of fluids: ORS, coconut water, soups, nimbu pani.
- Use paracetamol for fever only if your doctor advises. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen-type painkillers, as they can increase bleeding risk.
- Get a blood test and platelet monitoring as your doctor advises. Do not self-treat based on platelet numbers alone.
- Sleep under a mosquito net, even in the daytime. Dengue mosquitoes bite mostly in the morning and evening.
Where does homeopathy fit in?
Homeopathy does not replace hospital monitoring or fluids in dengue. Some patients use individualised homeopathic medicines alongside standard care to support comfort and recovery, for example to ease body ache and weakness during the convalescent phase. The medicine is chosen on your exact symptoms, so it needs a proper consultation. Tell every doctor you see about all medicines you take.
How do I prevent dengue at home?
- Empty coolers, flower pots, tyres and buckets every 2 to 3 days. Dengue mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant water.
- Keep water tanks and containers covered.
- Wear full sleeves in the morning and evening and use repellents.
Frequently asked questions
How long does dengue fever last?
The fever usually lasts 2 to 7 days. Weakness can continue for 1 to 2 weeks after the fever settles.
When should I get tested for dengue?
If you have high fever with body ache or rash during dengue season, see a doctor. The NS1 antigen test works in the first days, and antibody tests help later.
Can dengue come back?
There are four dengue virus types. Infection with one gives lasting protection against that type, but a later infection with a different type can be more severe.
Which foods help during recovery?
Fluids, ORS, coconut water, khichdi, fruit and light home-cooked meals are easy to digest. Follow your doctor's advice on papaya leaf and other home remedies.
Sources
Book a consultation: Dr. Gagandeep Singh Ahuja consults at Tulip Mall (Sector 48), C-75 (Sector 61) and Mahagun Mart (Sector 78), Noida. Book an appointment or call 98186 08675.
This article is for general awareness and does not replace medical advice. Scientific evidence for homeopathy varies by condition, so please consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and do not stop prescribed medicines without medical advice.