Dengue, flu, COVID: Find out how to determine their signs as per specialists – Instances of India

How do I do know if my fever is flu, COVID, or dengue? This can be a widespread query throughout monsoon when sicknesses are steadily seen and the danger of various ailments enhance with even minimal publicity to contamination.
Monsoon brings aid from the scorching warmth, nevertheless it additionally ushers in a wave of well being challenges. The elevated humidity and rainfall create a breeding floor for micro organism and viruses, making us extra inclined to sicknesses like colds, flu, and gastrointestinal infections.To remain wholesome throughout this season, it is important to observe good hygiene, keep away from ingesting untreated water, and keep up to date with vaccinations.
We at ETimes-TOI spoke to docs to grasp the fundamental variations between the widespread ailments seen throughout monsoon.

Monsoon sicknesses have comparable signs, however they’re completely different

Dengue fever, influenza (flu), and COVID are essentially completely different ailments, even if they could have some comparable signs, comparable to fever, says Dr. Ashutosh Shukla, Senior Director, Inner Medication & Medical Advisor at Max hospital, Gurgaon.

He additional explains: Whereas extreme complications, nausea, and muscle and bone ache are widespread signs of dengue fever, the higher respiratory signs related to different viruses are absent. Then again, fever and higher respiratory signs like a runny nostril and cough are usually current when the flu strikes.
Whereas flu-like signs are typically current in COVID, a definite signal is a lack of style and scent.
Due to these variances, individuals who have these signs ought to see a health care provider as quickly as attainable and get the required blood checks to ensure a analysis that’s right and immediate remedy.

Any current journey historical past, and attainable contact with sick individuals must be considered for figuring out purpose for sickness

Dr. Rimi Dey, Advisor- Crucial Care , Marengo Asia Hospital Gurugram advises to consider any extra signs you could be experiencing, any current journey historical past, and attainable contact with sick individuals with a view to decide the precise purpose on your fever. See a medical skilled for an correct analysis and testing, notably in case you have been in an space the place there’s a excessive prevalence of any of those problems or in case you have extreme signs. For every of the three problems, early detection and appropriate remedy are important.
Dr. Dey explains: Though fever is a standard signal of dengue, COVID-19, and the flu, there are methods to differentiate between the three.

Flu signs can embody a pointy fever, sore throat, exhaustion, physique aches, and a dry cough. Signs often seem quickly.
Quite a few flu-like signs, like fever, coughing, and exhaustion, are additionally shared by COVID-19. However, COVID-19 may also trigger dyspnea, dysphagia, and gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea. The signs of COVID-19 could develop extra progressively.
One of many principal signs of dengue is a sudden, excessive fever that may additionally trigger extreme complications, ache behind the eyes, joint and muscular ache, rash, and reasonable bleeding (like gum or nosebleeds). In areas the place dengue is widespread, mosquito bites are usually linked to the sickness.

Typical signs of dengue to know

Dengue fever typically begins with sudden excessive fever, usually reaching 104°F (40°C). Accompanying signs embody extreme headache, retro-orbital ache (ache behind the eyes), and joint and muscle ache, which is why it’s typically known as “breakbone fever.” A rash could seem, together with nausea, vomiting, and lack of urge for food. Some people expertise delicate bleeding manifestations, comparable to nosebleeds or gum bleeding. In extreme circumstances, dengue can progress to dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, marked by bleeding, plasma leakage, and a drop in blood stress. Early medical consideration is essential to handle and mitigate issues.

Typical signs of flu one should know

Flu signs often start abruptly and might embody a excessive fever, chills, and sweating. People typically expertise physique aches, complications, and excessive fatigue. Sore throat, cough, and congestion are widespread, and a few may additionally have a runny or stuffy nostril. Muscle or joint aches and common weak point are frequent complaints, and nausea or vomiting can happen, notably in kids. In contrast to the widespread chilly, the flu tends to strike instantly and with extra depth, impacting day by day actions considerably.

Typical signs of COVID to know

COVID-19 signs can fluctuate broadly however usually embody a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. People may additionally expertise fatigue, physique aches, and sore throat. Lack of style or scent, though not common, is a notable symptom. Congestion, runny nostril, nausea, and diarrhea can happen as nicely. Signs could seem 2-14 days after publicity and vary from delicate to extreme. Extreme circumstances can result in problem respiratory, chest ache, confusion, and bluish lips or face, necessitating speedy medical consideration.
It’s essential to get examined and comply with well being tips if you happen to expertise these signs.