Viral, Dengue or Typhoid: Having fever is not a disease in itself. This is a sign from the body that the immune system is trying to fight an infection. The problem arises when different symptoms start appearing along with fever and it is not understood whether it is due to viral infection, bacterial infection, dengue or typhoid. Let us know about this in detail from Dr. Vamshi V, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Aware Hospital (Fortis Healthcare Network Hospital), LB Nagar, Hyderabad.
These symptoms are seen in viral fever
Viral infection is one of the common causes of fever. Many infections like flu can be behind this. Fever often starts suddenly and may remain high in the initial days. Usually it starts improving in three to five days.
Along with this, there can be problems like pain in the whole body, fatigue, cold, running nose, sore throat or dry cough. Antibiotics usually do not work in viral infections. It is important to take adequate rest, water and other liquids. For fever or body pain, paracetamol can be taken as per doctor’s advice.
In bacterial fever, there is problem at a particular place.
In bacterial infection, problems often appear in a particular part of the body. For example, there may be cough and phlegm in case of lung infection, burning sensation while urinating in case of urine infection or severe soreness in case of throat infection. The fever may increase gradually or may return after subsiding for some time. In such cases, after examination, the doctor gives the right antibiotic if needed. Taking antibiotics without consultation can be harmful.
In dengue, the body starts breaking down with high fever.
Dengue cases may increase during the rainy season. This disease, caused by the bite of infected Aedes mosquito, can cause high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, pain in body and joints, vomiting and skin rash. Even if the fever subsides, the danger does not go away completely. The risk of complications may increase, especially from the third to the seventh day. Therefore, examination and monitoring with the advice of a doctor is necessary. Antibiotics are not the usual treatment for dengue; Adequate fluids and rest are important.
Fever may increase gradually in typhoid
Typhoid is an infection caused by contaminated food or water. In this, fever may increase more slowly than other infections and may persist for a long time if not treated. Symptoms like weakness, stomach ache, constipation or diarrhea in children, coating on the tongue and loss of appetite may also occur.
To confirm typhoid, the doctor conducts tests as per need and recommends the right antibiotic.
Don’t ignore these symptoms
If fever persists for more than three days, severe headache or stiff neck, persistent vomiting, difficulty in drinking water, rash on the body or bleeding from nose and gums, difficulty in breathing, chest pain or difficulty in thinking along with extreme weakness, then contact the doctor immediately.
It is not always possible to determine the cause of infection just by looking at the symptoms of fever. If necessary, the doctor can find out the exact cause by conducting tests like CBC, Dengue NS1, blood culture. Therefore, instead of starting antibiotics on your own, the safest way is to seek medical advice on time.
FAQ
What is the difference between viral and bacterial fever?
Viral fever affects the entire body and usually resolves on its own within 3-5 days, whereas bacterial infection occurs in a specific part of the body (such as the lungs or throat) and requires antibiotics.
Should antibiotics be taken in viral fever?
No, antibiotics do not affect viral infections. In this, paracetamol is taken only on the basis of symptoms and as per the doctor’s advice and rest.
What are the main symptoms of dengue fever?
High fever, headache, severe pain behind the eyes, rupture in joints and muscles and red rashes on the body are the main symptoms of dengue.
Why does typhoid fever occur?
Typhoid is a bacterial infection spread by consumption of contaminated food and water, which can persist for a long time.
When should one go to the doctor?
If fever lasts for more than 3 days, severe headache, difficulty in breathing or rashes appear on the body, consult a doctor immediately.