Understanding the chronology of dengue allows doctors and families to intervene before vascular crisis develops: * **Febrile Phase (Days 1–3):** Sudden onset of high fever (103°F–104°F) accompanied by retro-orbital headache (pain behind the eyes), severe joint and muscle pains ('breakbone fever'), facial flushing, nausea, and macular skin rash. * **Critical Phase (Days 4–7):** Typically starts when the fever begins to drop. Increased capillary permeability allows fluid to leak from blood vessels into pleural and peritoneal cavities, causing hemoconcentration (rising Hematocrit) and falling platelets. This phase lasts 24 to 48 hours. * **Recovery / Convalescent Phase (Days 7–10):** Plasma leakage stops, leaked fluids are reabsorbed into the circulation, appetite returns, and platelet counts rebound rapidly.

There is no direct antiviral drug for dengue; clinical management is supportive and protocol-driven: * **Only Paracetamol:** Use plain Paracetamol (500–1000 mg every 6 hours for adults, weight-based for children) to control fever and discomfort. Never take NSAIDs (Brufen, Disprin, Ponstan) as they irreversibly inhibit platelet aggregation and cause severe gastrointestinal bleeding. * **The Platelet Myth:** Families often panic when platelet counts drop below 50,000/μL and demand immediate platelet transfusions. According to WHO clinical protocols, prophylactic platelet transfusions are generally not recommended even at 20,000/μL unless there is clinically significant active hemorrhage or impending surgical delivery. * **Fluid Balance:** The true lifesaver in dengue is oral and intravenous crystalloid fluid management tailored to hematocrit levels.