Dengue Fever

If you're packing for a trip somewhere nice and warm, don't forget your bug spray. That will help keep you safe from dengue fever, a virus spread by mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical areas of the world.

Once an infected mosquito bites someone, they can get a fever, headaches, and pain in the joints, muscles, bones, and behind the eyes. Some people get a rash and have nausea and vomiting.

It sounds awful, but most people recover in a week or so. But if the symptoms get worse and you don't see a doctor, it can become life threatening.

There is unfortunately no vaccine or cure for dengue fever, so if you think you have it, rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take a pain reliever with acetaminophen. Don't take aspirin.

If you feel worse after the first 24 hours, make sure you get treatment. For WebMD, I'm Dr. Michael Smith.