Dr. Shilpa Rajendran of Even Healthcare warns that dengue often presents with severe joint pain, retro-orbital pain, and rapid platelet drops, distinguishing it from common viral fevers during the monsoon.
The critical phase of dengue often begins when the fever settles, a period where patients must be monitored closely for warning signs despite feeling a temporary sense of recovery.
Medical experts advise against self-medication and emphasize that blood tests like the NS1 antigen and IgM/IgG antibody tests are necessary for a confirmed diagnosis rather than relying on platelet counts alone.