Your child has a fever, now there’s the ‘sakit ng ulo’ and body feels tired and heavy. The first question almost every parent asks: is this just a cold, is it trangkaso, or should I be worried it is dengue?
They look alike at the start. But a few signs give a strong hint. This is not to replace a doctor. It is so you know when it is safe to rest at home and when to act fast.
The quick guide
Colds (sipon): Usually a stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, mild fever if any. The body is a little tired but manageable. It clears on its own within a few days.
Flu (trangkaso): More sudden and more intense. High fever, aching all over the body, chills, heavy fatigue. It hits harder than a common cold and can last several days.
Dengue: High fever with pain behind the eyes, bone and muscle pain, sometimes a rash. The key difference: the danger rises when the fever starts to fall, on the third to seventh day.
The line you should not cross
Whatever you call it, these are the signs you should stop guessing about. Get seen right away if there is:
- Severe sakit ng tiyan or repeated vomiting
- Bleeding gums, nose, or unexplained bruising
- Extreme drowsiness or being hard to wake
- Difficulty breathing
- A fever that has not gone down after three days
These are the signs that something has moved past “just a cold.”
While you watch and wait
Rest, plenty of fluids, and paracetamol for the fever. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen until dengue is ruled out, because they can worsen bleeding. And if the fever has not dropped after three days, or you see any warning sign above, it is time to get seen.
The truth is, you do not need to be a doctor to know when to act. You just need to know a few of these signs. Now you do.
Frequently asked questions
When should I see a doctor instead of resting at home?
When the fever lasts more than three days, or there is any single warning sign like stomach pain, vomiting, or bleeding.
Can it be dengue even without a rash?
Yes. Not all dengue comes with a rash, so a rash is not the deciding factor.
Is paracetamol safe for any fever?
It is the safer choice while the cause is still unclear. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for now. If there is another condition, ask a doctor.
The one thing to remember
Most fevers are not dengue. But a few signs, a fever past three days, stomach pain, bleeding, should never be guessed at. If you are already at the point of doubt, book a consult with a doctor on NowServing so the right questions get answered. For the dengue warning most parents miss, read why the dangerous day is when the fever drops.
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If symptoms are severe or getting worse, see a doctor or go to the nearest hospital.
