Question 1

What is Dengue Fever?

Accepted Answer

Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne viral infection that causes severe flu-like symptoms and can lead to life-threatening complications. It is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which has four distinct serotypes transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects both recent and past infections.

Question 2

What causes dengue fever?

Accepted Answer

Dengue fever is caused by the dengue virus (DENV), which belongs to the Flavivirus family and exists in four distinct serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4). The virus is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti and occasionally Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes typically bite during daylight hours, especially in the early morning and before dusk, and thrive in tropical and subtropical climates where they breed in standing water around homes and communities.

Question 3

What is the best test for dengue fever?

Accepted Answer

The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) test is the most important test for dengue fever because it detects specific antibodies your immune system produces in response to the virus. IgM antibodies appear within 3-5 days after symptoms start and indicate a current or recent infection, while IgG antibodies develop later and can reveal past exposure or secondary infections. This distinction is critical because secondary infections with a different dengue serotype carry a much higher risk of severe complications like dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome. The test helps your doctor determine the stage of infection and assess your risk level for serious complications.

Question 4

When should I get tested for dengue fever?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you develop sudden high fever (104°F or higher) along with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, or rash, especially if you have recently traveled to or live in tropical or subtropical areas where dengue is common. Testing is particularly important if you experience warning signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in vomit or stool, difficulty breathing, or extreme fatigue. Early diagnosis through blood testing allows healthcare providers to monitor you closely for complications and provide supportive care to prevent progression to severe dengue.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of dengue fever?

Accepted Answer

Dengue fever typically begins with sudden high fever (up to 106°F) that lasts 2-7 days, accompanied by severe headache, intense pain behind the eyes, and debilitating joint and muscle pain often called breakbone fever. You might notice a flat, red rash that appears 2-5 days after fever onset, along with nausea, vomiting, and mild bleeding manifestations like nosebleeds, easy bruising, or bleeding gums. Most people recover within a week, but some develop warning signs of severe dengue including persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, rapid breathing, bleeding, fatigue, or restlessness that require immediate medical attention.

Question 6

Who is at risk for dengue fever?

Accepted Answer

Anyone living in or traveling to tropical and subtropical regions where Aedes mosquitoes thrive is at risk, including parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Africa. Your risk increases significantly if you have had dengue before because secondary infection with a different serotype greatly raises the chance of developing severe dengue hemorrhagic fever. Children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems or chronic conditions like diabetes or asthma face higher risks of complications. Urban and semi-urban areas with poor sanitation and standing water provide ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing exposure risk.

Question 7

What happens if dengue fever is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated dengue fever can progress to severe dengue (previously called dengue hemorrhagic fever), a life-threatening condition that develops in about 1 in 20 cases, typically 3-7 days after initial symptoms begin. Severe dengue causes plasma leakage from blood vessels, leading to fluid accumulation, severe bleeding, organ damage, and dangerously low blood pressure that can result in dengue shock syndrome. Without proper medical monitoring and supportive care, severe dengue can cause liver damage, seizures, heart problems, and death within 12-24 hours of shock onset. Early detection through blood testing and medical supervision dramatically reduces these risks by allowing doctors to provide timely fluid replacement and close monitoring.

Question 8

Can dengue fever be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dengue fever is definitively diagnosed with blood tests that detect either the virus itself or antibodies your body produces against it. The Dengue Fever Antibodies (IgG, IgM) test identifies IgM antibodies for recent infections and IgG antibodies for past infections or reinfections, with results helping determine disease stage and complication risk. In the first few days of illness, doctors may also use NS1 antigen tests or PCR tests that detect viral genetic material directly. The timing of your test matters because different tests work best at different stages of infection, so your healthcare provider will choose the appropriate test based on when your symptoms started.

Question 9

How is dengue fever treated?

Accepted Answer

There is no specific antiviral treatment for dengue fever, so medical care focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications through supportive care. Treatment includes getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration from fever and vomiting, and taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain while avoiding aspirin, ibuprofen, and other NSAIDs that can increase bleeding risk. If you develop warning signs of severe dengue, hospitalization is necessary for intravenous fluid replacement, electrolyte monitoring, blood pressure management, and sometimes blood transfusions. Early medical evaluation and careful monitoring during the critical phase (when fever subsides) are essential for identifying complications early and providing life-saving interventions.

Question 10

How can I prevent dengue fever?

Accepted Answer

The best prevention is avoiding mosquito bites by using EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and staying in air-conditioned or well-screened areas during peak mosquito activity times. Eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home by emptying containers that collect water, changing water in pet bowls and flower vases weekly, and keeping gutters clean and unclogged. If traveling to dengue-endemic areas, consider treating clothing with permethrin and sleeping under mosquito nets. The dengue vaccine (Dengvaxia) is available in some countries but only for people aged 9-45 who have had previous confirmed dengue infection.

Question 11

What can I do at home for dengue fever?

Accepted Answer

Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, oral rehydration solutions, fruit juices, and coconut water to replace fluids lost through fever and vomiting, aiming for clear or light-colored urine as a hydration goal. Get adequate rest in a mosquito-proof area to prevent spreading the virus to others through mosquito bites during the first week of illness when the virus is in your bloodstream. Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain relief but strictly avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs that can increase bleeding risk. Monitor yourself closely for warning signs like severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding, difficulty breathing, or extreme fatigue, and seek immediate medical care if any of these develop, as they indicate progression to severe dengue requiring hospitalization.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Dengue Fever Blood Test

What is Dengue Fever?

What causes dengue fever?

What is the best test for dengue fever?

When should I get tested for dengue fever?

References

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