I have had a fever, a sore throat, and severe body aches since Thursday, and my neighbour recently had dengue. Should I wait until Sunday to get a blood test as advised by my doctor, and what medicines can I take to manage my symptoms in the meantime?
Yes, please follow your doctor's advice and wait until Sunday. Dengue tests, such as the NS1 antigen and platelet count, are most accurate 3 to 4 days after symptoms begin. In the meantime, take Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) to manage your fever and body aches. Strictly avoid NSAIDs like Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or Naproxen, as they can dangerously increase your risk of bleeding if you have dengue. Focus on staying highly hydrated with water, ORS, or coconut water. Seek immediate emergency medical care if you experience warning signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding gums, or extreme lethargy.
