Dengue and Covid Symptoms Coincide

Many people are unable to distinguish between the symptoms of dengue and Covid-19 infections amid an increase in dengue cases.

Many people are unable to distinguish between the symptoms of dengue and Covid-19 infections amid an increase in dengue cases. Doctors pointed out that both are distinct and that quick tests can definitively diagnose a patient.

Even after the monsoon season has ended, dengue incidences are still increasing. There have been at least 319 verified cases and at least 3,018 suspected cases in the municipal limits since January, according to the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC).

In PMC boundaries, Covid-19 cases number 708,815, and there have been 9,746 deaths since the epidemic began. According to the state health authorities, there were 954 active cases in the Pune area as of Sunday.

Patients should see doctors if they exhibit signs of either of the diseases, according to Dr Sanjay Patil, chairman of the hospital board of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in India’s Pune chapter.

Covid-19 and dengue do share certain symptoms, however respiratory problems are Covid-19’s main symptoms. Both commonly experience a high-grade temperature and tiredness.

Fever and tiredness are cyclical in Covid19. To rule out Covid-19, doctors frequently do tests like RTPCR. But the rainy season increases the frequency of dengue, according to Dr Patil.

Doctors keep an eye on platelets if a patient has dengue. Furthermore, by getting more rest and drinking more water, dengue symptoms can be controlled. The majority of dengue cases are solely treated in OPD.

However, there is a condition known as dengue shock that develops after eight days of dengue. Dr Patil advised patients to follow up more frequently throughout this period.

“In circumstances where symptoms of dengue and Covid coincide, such as fever, body aches, and headaches, a diagnosis cannot be made with such certainty. To determine the precise infection, we are therefore prescribing both Covid and dengue tests. In some instances, testing for typhoid and malaria are also conducted “explained he.

However, Covid infection is more likely if a patient is more prone to sore throat and cough and their fever is not too high.
High fever and rashes are the most typical symptoms of dengue.

Following a constant surge in dengue cases in Delhi over the past two weeks, doctors at numerous government and private hospitals are reporting an increase in OPD foot traffic. The majority of patients report experiencing fever, coughing, sore throats, body aches, headaches, or both.

In addition, dengue cases are being reported at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital, the largest hospital operated by the Delhi government and the primary COVID-19 facility. Some of the patients were admitted after their platelets level fell outside of the normal range.

Dr Wavare advised patients to see a doctor if they get a high fever because dengue cases are increasing as a result of the monsoon.