What Are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever: Every year, many Indian families worry about dengue and for a good reason. According to India’s National Centre for Vector Borne Disease Control (NCVBDC), our country reported nearly 2.33 lakh dengue cases and 297 deaths in 2024. In just the first six months of 2025, 13,000+ cases and 19 deaths were already reported.

Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) recorded 7.6 million dengue cases and over 3,000 deaths by April 2024. These numbers show how urgent it is for every community to understand what are the symptoms of dengue fever and take quick action.

What Are the Symptoms of Dengue Fever?

Many people confuse dengue with viral fever or flu. But when you know what are the symptoms of dengue fever day-wise, you can identify it early and avoid complications.

Day 1–2: Sudden Onset

• High fever (102°F–104°F) starts suddenly
• Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
• Intense muscle, bone, and joint pain (“breakbone fever”)
• Chills and mild nausea
• Loss of appetite

At this stage, dengue looks like common flu, but the body pain is much stronger.

Day 3–4: Classic Dengue Signs Appear

• Fever continues, sometimes with short drops
• Rash starts appearing on arms, legs, and chest (see dengue fever rash photos online for reference)
• Nausea, vomiting, and fatigue increase
• Mild bleeding (nose or gums) may start
• Pain behind the eyes becomes sharper

This is when you should visit a doctor and get a blood test done to check platelets.

Day 5–6: Warning Phase

• Fever may drop, but this is not recovery yet
• Watch for 7 warning signs of dengue fever in child or adult:
  1. Persistent vomiting
  2. Severe stomach pain
  3. Bleeding (nose, gums, stool)
  4. Swelling or fluid in stomach
  5. Extreme tiredness
  6. Restlessness
  7. Drop in platelets
• Red rash may spread to the entire body
• Some patients experience dehydration or dizziness

This phase can be dangerous; platelets and blood pressure may fall. Hospital monitoring may be required.

Day 7–10: Recovery Phase

• Fever settles
• Rash may fade and skin may peel lightly
• Appetite slowly returns
• Weakness continues for several days
• Platelet count starts improving

Recovery depends on hydration, nutrition, and rest.

What Is Dengue Fever Caused By?

Let’s understand what exactly dengue fever is caused by.

• Dengue is caused by the dengue virus, spread through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
• These mosquitoes bite during the day, not at night.
• Many people ask, can dengue fever spread from person to person?
  The answer is no, it spreads only through mosquitoes, not through touch or air.

What Are the Types of Dengue Fever?

There are two main types of dengue fever:

1. Mild Dengue Fever: Common fever, headache, rash, recoverable with rest and fluids.
2. Severe Dengue (Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever): Can cause internal bleeding, liver issues, or shock.

Knowing the types of dengue fever helps you recognise the seriousness early.

What Are the Dengue Fever Symptoms in Adults?

Typical dengue fever symptoms in adults include:

• High fever and chills
• Headache and pain behind the eyes
• Severe joint and muscle pain
• Rash on skin
• Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
• Mild gum or nose bleeding

Adults often dismiss these as viral, but testing early can prevent severe dengue.

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How Long Does Dengue Fever Last?

A common question in every home is: how long dengue fever last?

• Usually 5–7 days, but weakness can continue for another week.
• The “fever-free” stage can be tricky; symptoms can worsen even when fever reduces.
  That’s why monitoring on Day 4–6 is most important.

What Food Should Dengue Fever Patients Eat?

Proper nutrition helps in faster recovery. Here’s what food for dengue fever patients should include:

• Fluids: ORS, coconut water, soups, lemon water
• Fruits: Papaya, kiwi, orange, pomegranate (help platelets)
• Meals: Khichdi, dal rice, boiled vegetables, and light meals
• Avoid: Oily, spicy, or processed foods

Good food supports immunity when there’s no specific medicine for dengue.

How to Cure Dengue Fever? What’s the Best Medicine?

People often ask, how to cure dengue fever and what’s the best medicine for dengue fever?

• There is no specific antiviral drug for dengue.
• Doctors suggest paracetamol for fever and pain. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen.
• Drink plenty of fluids and get proper rest.
• Hospitalisation may be needed if symptoms worsen.

Can Dengue Fever Spread from Person to Person?

No, dengue does not spread directly from one person to another. It spreads only through infected mosquitoes. That’s why community action, such as cleaning stagnant water, covering containers, using mosquito nets and repellents, is key to prevention of dengue.

Quick Community Checklist:

• Do you know what are the symptoms of dengue fever?
• Can you identify dengue fever rash photos?
• Do you know the 7 warning signs of dengue fever in child?
• Are you aware of food for dengue fever patients?
• Do you know how long dengue fever last?
• Do you share tips on how to cure dengue fever in your local group?

Each “Yes” means you’re helping your community stay safe.

On A Final Note…

Awareness saves lives. If someone near you has fever and pain, help them recognise what are the symptoms of dengue fever early. Share this information in your housing society, school, or office.

“Prevention starts with awareness and awareness starts with you.”

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