Dialogue Between a Doctor and a Patient

A patient describes four days of fever and the doctor questions, examines and advises a test.

A dialogue between Doctor and Patient

Doctor: Come in and sit down, please. What seems to be the trouble?

Patient: Good morning, doctor. I have had a fever for four days and a headache with it.

Doctor: Is the fever constant, or does it rise and fall?

Patient: It rises in the afternoon and comes down towards morning.

Doctor: Any pain behind the eyes, or aching in the joints?

Patient: Yes, both. My whole body aches, and I have no appetite at all.

Doctor: Have you noticed any rash on your arms or chest?

Patient: There are a few small red spots on my forearm. I thought they were insect bites.

Doctor: Let me see. Yes — I would like you to have a blood test today. These symptoms could be dengue.

Patient: Dengue? Is it serious, doctor?

Doctor: It is manageable if we catch it early. Most cases recover with rest and fluids. The danger is in coming late.

Patient: What should I do until the report comes?

Doctor: Rest completely, drink plenty of water and oral saline, and take paracetamol only. Avoid other painkillers.

Patient: And if the fever gets worse?

Doctor: Come back at once, or go to the emergency department. Bring the report tomorrow either way.

Patient: Thank you very much, doctor. I will do exactly as you say.