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
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rash, often after day 3
- Tiredness
- Swollen glands
Warning signs: go to hospital at once
These often appear when the fever is coming down, around days 3 to 7.
- Severe stomach pain
- Vomiting again and again
- Bleeding from gums or nose
- Blood in vomit or black stools
- Extreme tiredness or restlessness
- Cold, clammy hands and feet
- Fast breathing
- Passing very little urine
Call 108 or go to the nearest emergency department.
The 3 phases of dengue
Fever phase
High fever, body pain, headache. The NS1 test works best now.
Critical phase
Fever drops but platelets may fall. Watch for warning signs and get counts checked.
Recovery
Appetite returns and counts rise. Tiredness can last a few weeks.
Which test shows dengue?
The right test depends on how many days the fever has lasted. All of these are done in our own lab.
| Test | Best time | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Dengue NS1 antigen | Days 1–5 of fever | Detects the virus early |
| Dengue IgM / IgG antibody | After about day 5 | Shows recent or past infection |
| Complete blood count (CBC) | Every 24–48 hours, as advised | Platelets, white cells and haematocrit |
How is dengue treated?
There is no specific medicine that kills the dengue virus. Treatment supports the body while it recovers: fluids, fever control and close monitoring of platelets and hydration. Some people need IV fluids for a few hours in our day-care unit; a few need hospital admission.
At Nareddy Care
- Doctor's review for adults and children
- NS1, antibody and CBC tests on site
- Day care for IV fluids
- Repeat platelet checks during recovery
- Referral to hospital if admission is needed
Do at home
- Drink plenty of fluids: water, ORS, coconut water, soups
- Rest
- Use only the fever medicine your doctor advises
- Get platelet counts checked as advised
Avoid
- Ibuprofen, aspirin and other painkillers that can increase bleeding
- Injections for fever unless a doctor advises
- Waiting at home if a warning sign appears
How to prevent dengue
The Aedes mosquito bites mostly during the day and breeds in clean standing water. Empty water from coolers, pots, tyres and flower vases every week, use mosquito nets and repellents, and wear long sleeves for children.
Questions people ask
Which test shows dengue?
The NS1 test detects dengue in the first few days of fever. Antibody (IgM) tests are more useful after about five days. A blood count shows platelets.
My platelet count is low. What should I do?
A falling platelet count is common in dengue and needs regular monitoring by a doctor. Drink plenty of fluids, avoid painkillers like ibuprofen or aspirin, and get your counts checked as advised.
Does papaya leaf juice increase platelets?
Some small studies suggest it may, but it is not a replacement for medical monitoring. Ask your doctor before taking any home remedy.
Can I get a dengue test and see a doctor on the same day in Tirupati?
Yes. Nareddy Care Hospitals in Prasanthi Nagar has its own lab, so the doctor visit and fever tests happen in one visit.
Can you get dengue twice?
Yes. There are four types of dengue virus. A second infection with a different type can be more severe, so see a doctor early.
Adults seeDr. Vishnu Anjan NareddyMD (General Medicine)Children seeDr. Bramhini NareddyMD (Paediatrics)