Written by Vivekananda Hospital Editorial Team | Medically reviewed by Dr Sishir Reddy MBBS , M.D., Vivekananda Hospital, Begumpet
Last reviewed: 10 June 2026
Take Your Child to Hospital Immediately If
Severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, cold or clammy hands and feet, extreme drowsiness or irritability, refusing to drink or eat, no urine for many hours, or fast breathing. These are dengue warning signs and need emergency care. Call us on +91 7207904418. Never give your child aspirin or ibuprofen for the fever.
Key Takeaways
- 01 Dengue in children can look like an ordinary viral fever in the first 2-3 days. During monsoon in Hyderabad, any high fever in a child should be tested, not waited out.
- 02 The most dangerous time is often when the fever drops, around day 3 to 5. This is when warning signs can appear, so monitoring must continue even after the fever settles.
- 03 Only paracetamol is safe for the fever. Aspirin and ibuprofen must never be given, as they increase bleeding risk in dengue.
- 04 Most children recover fully at home with fluids, rest, and monitoring. Keeping your child well hydrated is the single most important thing you can do.
In This Article
Dengue fever in children is a mosquito-borne infection that causes high fever, body pain, and in some cases low platelets and bleeding. In the early days it looks like a common viral fever, which is why testing matters during monsoon. Most children recover fully with rest, fluids, and monitoring, but a small number develop warning signs that need hospital care. Knowing those signs, and acting on them quickly, is what keeps a child safe.
Every monsoon, Hyderabad sees a sharp rise in dengue, and children are among the most affected. As a parent, the hardest part is that the early symptoms are not specific. This guide gives you a clear way to tell when to monitor at home and when to bring your child in.
Symptoms of Dengue in Children
Symptoms usually begin 4 to 10 days after an infected mosquito bite. Younger children may not be able to describe their pain, so watch their behaviour as much as their temperature.
Common symptoms
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache and pain behind the eyes
- Body, muscle, and joint pain
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash, often after a few days
- Tiredness and irritability
In babies and toddlers
Very young children may simply be hot, fussy, sleepy, and off their feeds. They cannot tell you about headache or body pain. In babies, take any high fever during monsoon seriously and get it checked, especially if they are feeding poorly or unusually drowsy.
The Three Phases: Why a Falling Fever Is Not the All-Clear
This is the most important thing for parents to understand about dengue. It moves through three phases, and the riskiest one often begins just as the fever settles and your child seems to be improving.
1. Febrile phase (day 1 to 3)
High fever, body pain, and tiredness. This is when most parents seek care. Keep the child hydrated and use only paracetamol for the fever.
2. Critical phase (day 3 to 5, around the time fever drops)
As the fever comes down, a small number of children develop plasma leakage and falling platelets. This is when warning signs appear. Do not relax monitoring just because the fever has gone. This 24 to 48 hour window is when hospital care may suddenly be needed.
3. Recovery phase (day 6 onwards)
Appetite returns, energy improves, and platelets begin to rise. A faint rash may appear during recovery. Most children are back to normal within a week or two.
Warning Signs That Need a Hospital
If your child shows any of these, do not wait at home. Go to a hospital with paediatric and blood-bank facilities right away.
Severe stomach pain or persistent vomiting
Bleeding from gums or nose, or blood in vomit or stool
Cold, clammy hands and feet or pale skin
Extreme drowsiness or constant irritability
No urine for many hours, or no tears when crying
Fast or difficult breathing or refusing all fluids
Treatment and Medicines to Avoid
There is no specific medicine that cures dengue. Treatment supports the child while the body fights the virus: controlling fever safely, keeping fluids up, and monitoring platelets. The medicine you choose for the fever matters enormously.
Safe
Paracetamol for fever, in the weight-based dose your doctor or paediatrician advises. Plenty of fluids: water, ORS, coconut water, soups, and milk. Rest. Light, easy food.
Never give
Aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAID painkillers. They increase the risk of bleeding, which is already a concern in dengue. Do not give any antibiotic on your own; antibiotics do not work against the dengue virus.
Your doctor will check platelet counts with a blood test, often daily during the critical phase. Most children are managed at home. Hospital admission is needed if warning signs appear, if the child cannot keep fluids down, or if platelets fall sharply.
Caring for Your Child at Home
If your paediatrician advises home care, your job is hydration and watchfulness. These are the things that matter most.
Keep fluids going in small, frequent sips. Dehydration is the main danger you can prevent.
Watch urine output. A child passing urine regularly is usually well hydrated.
Sponge with lukewarm water to bring down high fever, alongside paracetamol.
Keep all follow-up blood tests so platelet trends are tracked.
Watch closely when the fever drops. Re-read the warning signs and act fast if any appear.
Protect from more bites so the child does not spread dengue to others at home.
Monsoon Prevention for Hyderabad Families
The Aedes mosquito that spreads dengue breeds in clean, standing water and bites mostly in the daytime, in the early morning and late afternoon when children are often outdoors. Prevention is simple and effective.
Empty standing water weekly from pots, coolers, buckets, and containers at home.
Dress children in full sleeves and long pants during the day.
Use child-safe repellent and mosquito nets, including for daytime naps.
Fit screens on windows and doors, and keep surroundings clean.
If you are also expecting, see our guide on dengue in pregnancy. For ongoing child health, our paediatric team at Vivekananda Hospital is available for fever and monsoon illness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Medical disclaimer: This article is for general health information and education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Dengue in children needs assessment by a qualified doctor. If your child has a high fever or any warning sign, contact your paediatrician or call +91 7207904418 immediately.
References: WHO Dengue and severe dengue fact sheet | National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC), India | Indian Academy of Pediatrics guidance on dengue management.