Dengue arrives with the monsoon and stays through November in most Pakistani cities. Typical dengue starts with sudden high fever, severe body aches, headache, and pain behind the eyes — many people describe feeling their bones ache ("break-bone fever").
What to do in the first days
Most dengue is managed at home: rest, plenty of fluids (water, ORS, lassi, juices), and paracetamol (Panadol) only for fever. Never take Brufen, aspirin, or other painkillers — they increase bleeding risk in dengue.
Get a CBC (platelets) and dengue NS1 antigen test from day 1–3 of fever. NS1 is widely available at labs across Pakistan and confirms the diagnosis early.
The warning signs — go to a hospital immediately
The dangerous phase often begins as the fever settles, around day 3–7:
- Severe stomach pain or persistent vomiting
- Bleeding from gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool
- Small red spots on the skin
- Extreme weakness, restlessness, or cold, clammy hands and feet
- Not passing urine for 6+ hours
Any one of these means emergency care now — severe dengue kills through delay, and with timely hospital care almost everyone recovers.
Prevention still works
The Aedes mosquito bites in the daytime. Empty standing water (coolers, pots, tyres), use repellent, and cover arms and legs in season.
Source: WHO — Dengue and severe dengue. This article is general guidance, not a diagnosis.