Okay, so let’s just say it: dengue is the WORST. Like, not just “ugh I feel sick” kind of flu, but full-on body-ache, fever, can’t move, everything hurts, please-let-me-sleep kind of sick. And the worst part? It’s everywhere now. Every time it rains or mosquito season starts, someone you know gets dengue.
I had it once in college and let me tell you — never again please. Felt like I got hit by a truck and then backed up over again
So yeah, knowing the symptoms of dengue early is super important. Catching it on time means better recovery, and also less chances of spreading it around (yup, mosquitoes bite you, then bite others, then boom – dengue party). Below is everything I know or learned the hard way.
First, What Is Dengue?
Dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquitoes, mainly the Aedes aegypti type (those tiny black-and-white stripey ones that look cute but are evil). These mosquitoes usually bite during early morning or before sunset, not at night like normal ones. Sneaky.
There are 4 types of dengue viruses, so yes, you can technically get it 4 times (God forbid).
Common Symptoms of Dengue
Here’s what usually happens when someone gets dengue. You might not get all of these, but most ppl get at least 4–5 of them:
1. High Fever (like, really high)
This is usually the first sign. Fever can go up to 104°F (40°C) and comes suddenly. One moment you’re chilling, next thing you know, you’re shivering and boiling at the same time.
The fever can last 2-7 days. It’s not like regular cold fever. It literally hurts.
2. Severe Headache
Not just any headache. This feels like your brain is about to explode, especially behind the eyes. Some people call it “retro-orbital pain” but let’s be real — it just feels like someone’s poking your eyeballs from inside
3. Pain in Muscles and Joints (aka Breakbone Fever)
That’s literally why dengue is also called “breakbone fever.” Your back, knees, arms, everything just hurts. Even moving your neck feels like a big task. You feel weak AF.
4. Nausea and Vomiting
A lot of people feel like puking all the time. Some even throw up after eating anything. Appetite? Gone. Even water feels meh. That’s dangerous coz it leads to dehydration, which can make things worse.
5. Skin Rashes
Usually appears after 3–4 days of fever. Can look like red patches or tiny red dots, mostly on arms, legs, chest, sometimes face too. Some people also get itching later when they start to recover. Annoying but normal.
6. Extreme Tiredness
Like you literally can’t get out of bed. You try to stand up and your legs be like “nah fam, not today.” The fatigue from dengue stays even after the fever goes. Some ppl feel tired for weeks.
7. Swollen Glands
Lymph nodes in neck or behind ears can swell up. Not always painful but definitely noticeable.
8. Bleeding Symptoms (in severe cases)
This is where it gets scary. If dengue turns severe, it can cause:
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Bleeding from nose or gums
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Easy bruising
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Blood in vomit or poop (black tarry stool)
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Heavy periods (in women)
If you or someone you know sees any of these — go to hospital ASAP.
Less Common but Possible Symptoms
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Low blood pressure
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Belly pain
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Irritability (esp. in kids)
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Confusion
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Cold hands and feet
3 Phases of Dengue (Most People Don’t Know This)
Yeah, it’s not just “get dengue, get better.” There’s actual phases.
1. Febrile Phase (Days 1–3)
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High fever
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Headache
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Body pain
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Nausea
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Might feel like flu
This is when people think “eh just viral, will go away.” But important to monitor daily.
2. Critical Phase (Days 4–6)
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Fever starts to go down (people think “yay I’m better!”)
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But this is when things can turn dangerous
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Blood platelets drop
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Risk of bleeding, organ problems
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Dehydration can get serious
Monitor platelets, fluid intake, and watch for any bleeding.
3. Recovery Phase (Days 6–10+)
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Body slowly starts to feel better
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Rashes might come now
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Itching starts
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Appetite returns
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Tiredness can stay for long
Drink lots of fluids, eat fruits, REST. Don’t rush back to gym or work pls
Warning Signs of Severe Dengue (Go to Doc NOW!)
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Bleeding from nose, mouth, urine, etc
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Belly pain
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Continuous vomiting
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Feeling drowsy / confused
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Difficulty breathing
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Cold, sweaty skin
Don’t wait. Go to hospital. Severe dengue can be fatal if not treated quickly.
What You Should Do at Home
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Drink LOADS of water, coconut water, ORS
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Eat fruits like papaya, kiwi, oranges (vitamin C)
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Monitor platelets (do blood test as doctor says)
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Rest, like actually REST
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Use paracetamol for fever (no ibuprofen or aspirin – it can cause bleeding)
What You Should NOT Do
Take random meds (especially painkillers)
Eat oily/junk food (your liver is already stressed)
Force yourself to eat if you feel sick
Ignore symptoms after fever drops
Self-diagnose with Google (I know, we all do it, but still)
Some People Say…
– Papaya leaf juice helps increase platelets – Some swear by it, some say it’s just hype. If you try it, just make sure it’s clean and not mixed with junk.
– Goat milk – idk why but some old school people say this helps. I never tried it coz ew.
– Giloy juice – Some ayurvedic fans say it helps immune system. Might be worth trying with doctor advice.
Final Thoughts (Dengue Is Not a Joke, Seriously)
So yeah, dengue sucks. But knowing the symptoms early and taking action can really make a huge difference. Don’t ignore signs, don’t wait till you feel half-dead to go to doctor. And please don’t spread it to others — sleep under a mosquito net, use repellant, wear full sleeves.
The mosquitoes spreading dengue are real demons. Tiny but dangerous.
Stay safe. Take care. And if you’re reading this while having dengue – hang in there. It gets better (eventually).