H1N1, H3N2 and Dengue difference: As the weather changes, these days many diseases have knocked together in the capital Delhi. High fever, body pain, headache and weakness… these days, with the change in weather, a large number of people are approaching doctors with such complaints. The problem is that the initial symptoms of H1N1, H3N2 and dengue appear to be quite similar. In such a situation, patients often get confused whether they have flu or dengue. But, the causes, treatment and problems of these diseases may be different. Therefore, it is not right to decide the disease yourself just by looking at the symptoms.
Especially if symptoms like difficulty in breathing, continuous vomiting, extreme weakness or bleeding are seen along with high fever, it is important to contact the doctor immediately. Now the question is, what is the difference between H1N1, H3N2 and dengue? What are their symptoms and when to be alert? Dr. Sanjay Varshney, Integrated Doctor, Dhanwantri Clinic, Noida is telling about this –
What is H1N1?
According to the doctor, H1N1 is a strain of influenza virus, which is also known colloquially as swine flu. It may cause symptoms like sudden fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, headache, body ache and fatigue. Some patients may also have trouble breathing. Influenza can spread especially through contact with infected particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions may be at higher risk of serious illness.
What happens in H3N2?
Dr. Sanjay says that, H3N2 is also a type of influenza A virus. Its symptoms can be very similar to H1N1 – like high fever, cough, sore throat, headache, runny nose and muscle pain.
This is why it can be difficult to differentiate between H1N1 and H3N2 based on symptoms alone. If necessary, doctors can identify the infection through testing.
How to recognize dengue?
Dengue virus is spread through mosquitoes and its symptoms can include high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, severe pain and weakness in muscles and joints. Red rashes may also appear on the skin in some patients. In some cases of dengue, platelets may decrease, but the severity of dengue is not determined by the number of platelets alone. The doctor conducts tests as per the complete condition and needs of the patient.
What is the biggest difference between the three?
H1N1 and H3N2 are respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses, while dengue is a viral infection spread by mosquito bites. In flu, symptoms related to cough, sore throat and nose may be more prominent, while in dengue, high fever may be accompanied by body and joint pain, headache or pain behind the eyes. However, due to considerable overlap in symptoms, a definitive diagnosis may require consultation with a doctor and, if necessary, testing.
When should there be immediate alert?
If symptoms like difficulty in breathing, chest pain, persistent vomiting, severe stomach pain, extreme lethargy or weakness, fainting, bleeding from nose and gums or abnormal bleeding in the body appear along with high fever, seek medical help immediately. It is not advisable to take antibiotics or other medicines on your own in case of fever. Especially in case of dengue, it is better to take medicine for pain and fever as per doctor’s advice. Timely testing and appropriate treatment is the safest way to reduce the risk of complications in diseases like H1N1, H3N2 and dengue.