Do you have COVID-19 or Dengue fever? How to Distinguish Between Symptoms
Aside from the COVID-19 epidemic, the frequency of dengue and unexplained viral fevers reported throughout Indian states has risen dramatically. While both dengue and COVID-19 are separate viral infections caused by mosquito bites and respiratory droplet transmission, the primary issue that might make diagnosis and treatment difficult is the overlapping symptoms.
Why are dengue fever cases on the rise right now?
Furthermore, whereas dengue fever is a year-round infection, the overlapping symptoms with COVID can be difficult to distinguish. In both circumstances, a moderate to high fever is the one symptom that is recognized as the most common marker of infection spread.
A fever can be a marker of inflammation, which can be observed with other viral infections as well as COVID-19, and it's all the more crucial to distinguish the difference at this critical time, when we're seeing a flare-up of dengue, malaria, COVID-19, and other flu-like illnesses. So, if you're currently experiencing a protracted fever, here are some ways to determine the difference and get help.
COVID-19 and dengue fever have similar symptoms.
Both dengue and COVID-19 are viral infections, so there's a good chance you'll have comparable symptoms. Body discomfort, myalgia, chills, fever, and nausea are some of the most common symptoms reported with both diseases.
While taking a test is the sole method to tell symptoms apart, doctors also recommend that, in addition to the symptoms and probable exposure, any patient with these symptoms keep an eye out for a fever.
The main distinctions between dengue fever and COVID-fever
While the illnesses have similar symptoms, the most significant difference is the fever, which occurs in both cases.
Even while fever is a common sign of all types of infections (mild, moderate, or severe), the fever reported during COVID is usually described as low or moderate in severity (maximum temperature of 102 degrees Fahrenheit) and well-managed with the use of paracetamols. When a fever lasts more than seven days, the infection is considered severe or life-threatening.
Keep an eye out for the development of symptoms.
Aside from the fever, there may be a little difference in the onset of symptoms between the two diseases. While a COVID infection can present with one or more symptoms at a time, which can vary from person to person (start with a cough and fever, cough alone, gastrointestinal symptoms, or just weakness), the most common signs of infection onset in dengue are symptoms like a headache or weakness, which may not always be the case if you have been exposed to COVID-19.
When should you suspect you're suffering from dengue fever?
Due to the lack of a vaccine or particular therapy for dengue, the best strategy to manage and resolve dengue-like symptoms is to provide supportive, therapeutic care while concentrating on rest and recovery. Remember that getting tested for both infections is critical at this time, because COVID-19 is still an ongoing threat that we cannot ignore, and dengue diagnosis, if not done promptly, can be severe and fatal. People with pre-existing illnesses or immunosuppressive disorders may be at risk from the infections.
What can you do right now to avoid a co-infection?
Co-infection is a condition in which a person is infected with two infections at the same time. While it's not impossible to catch two diseases at the same time, the risk of co-infection tends to increase at times like now, when we're dealing with not just the concern of mosquito-breeding and dengue infections, but also the threat of COVID-19.
At the same time, with dengue and malaria spreading during COVID-19, it's vital to remember that preventative measures go a long way toward reducing the chance of contracting any virus. While we all must continue to practice COVID-appropriate behavior,
- Sanitizing areas where water collects regularly
- Not allowing water to pool and mosquitos reproduce
- Wearing full-sleeved or covered clothing to avoid mosquito bites
- Using mosquito-repellent oils, sprays, and gels
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