With the arrival of monsoon, the risk of cold and fever increases significantly. Most people fall ill due to change in weather. At the same time, the risk of dengue and malaria also increases significantly in this season. But sometimes it is very difficult to know whether it is viral fever or malaria or dengue. The initial symptoms of dengue, malaria and viral infections often look similar, so it is difficult to diagnose the disease based on symptoms alone. In such a situation, Dr. Neha Rastogi, Senior Consultant, Department of Infectious Diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram has told when the test should be done.
signs of dengue
Dengue often causes sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, severe pain in the body and joints and extreme weakness. Nausea, vomiting or skin rash may also appear in some patients. Symptoms such as severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, unusual drowsiness or trouble breathing may be signs of a serious condition. In such a situation, a doctor should be contacted without any delay.
signs of malaria
In malaria, fever along with chills and shivering and then intense heat or sweating can be seen. Headache, weakness, body ache and sometimes vomiting may also occur. However, it is not necessary that this symptom of fever is seen in every patient.
viral fever
In common viral infections, symptoms like sore throat, cough, runny nose, body ache and fatigue are more common along with fever. However, due to the similarity in symptoms, it is not right to diagnose the disease on your own.
When is testing necessary?
Contact a doctor if high fever persists for several days, there is extreme weakness, severe headache or shivering, or there is a risk of dengue/malaria. The doctor may recommend CBC, dengue test, malaria antigen/smear or other tests depending on the situation. The exact time of testing also depends on the disease and the test.