Early symptoms of dengue you should never ignore

Dengue can escalate quickly—but early symptoms like high fever, body pain, and rashes can help ensure timely treatment. (Image: Pexels)

Dengue fever, a mosquito-borne viral illness spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, is a major health burden in tropical and subtropical countries. Dengue, still sometimes confused with common flu or seasonal viral infection, can become life-threatening if not identified early. Severe complications can result in diseases like dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can be fatal.

Dengue can be extremely dangerous because early symptoms appear mild. However, early medical treatment can prevent complications significantly and help you recover well. Doctor Anil Mehra, HoD, Internal Medicine, Global Munich Hospital, Faridabad says that knowing early signs helps one get timely care, remain hydrated, and stave off the illness from going overboard.

Sudden High Fever

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The first symptom is usually a sudden onset of high fever, often reaching 103–104°F (39–40°C) or higher. In particular, dengue fever typically shows up suddenly as opposed to a gradual rise in temperature which is noticeable in common flu, while the patient feels exhausted for many days. Constant temperature monitoring helps in the early suspicion of dengue.

Severe Headaches and Eye Pain

A signature symptom is migraine-type headaches, especially concentrated pain behind the eyes (retro-orbital pain). What distinguishes dengue from most viral fevers is this eye discomfort. Headaches that do not respond to rest or medication should be viewed as a possible red flag.

Muscle and Joint Pain

Dengue, often referred to as "breakbone fever," is infamous for its debilitating muscle and joint pain. Sufferers complain of achy bones, stiff joints, and trouble with the tasks of daily living. Such severe body ache — if associated with fever — strongly confirms dengue.

Skin Rash

About 2–5 days after the fever starts, some patients will develop a reddish, measles-like or allergic rash on the skin. It starts from the chest and then moves to the arms and legs. Along with fever, this rash is an early clinical presentation that should not be ignored.

Nausea and Vomiting

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Some dengue patients complain of nausea, vomiting or anorexia. This can quickly develop into dehydration, which only serves to make the condition worse and is even dangerous if left untreated. It is crucial to stay hydrated and to get urgent attention during such symptom instances.

Unusual Fatigue and Weakness

Compared to tiredness due to regular flu, dengue leads to extreme and prolonged weakness, even after the fever has passed. Fatigue is one of the first warning signs of this infection, as patients often find themselves worn out even when they take a break.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.