From the scorching heat, the monsoon ushers in much-anticipated relief. But along with increased sweat, rain, mosquito breeding and fluctuating temperatures, it also brings back familiar health worries. One of the most common problems that shows up is sudden fever. The tricky part is that fever symptoms overlap, usually making it difficult to tell whether it is a regular viral fever or dengue. This is why timely testing and the right diagnosis matter during the rainy season.
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To understand the distinction between the two, haematopathologist Dr Kunal Sehgal, director, Neuberg Sehgal Path Lab, helped clarify when a fever could be viral and when it may point to dengue. Usually, the signs are similar in the beginning, but knowing how to detect the difference early can help patients get the diagnosis and treatment on time and avoid unnecessary panic.
He said it is critical to know the difference and not confuse dengue with recurring viral fever. “The difference is extremely important since dengue can be a potentially dangerous illness, compared to other simple viruses.”
What are the overlapping signs of dengue and viral fever?
Let’s understand which signs may overlap and cause confusion. “In both cases, dengue and other viral infections like the influenza virus present with fever, tiredness, fatigue, muscle weakness, etc.”
In the early stage, both dengue and regular viral fever can look very similar. Symptoms like fever and weakness may not immediately reveal the exact cause, which is why confusion can occur.
How is dengue different from viral?
However, if you look closely, some tell-tale signs may point more towards dengue. These symptoms are usually more intense.
The haematopathologist added, “What sets dengue apart is its presence of distinct signs such as acute fever with severe headaches, pain behind the eye region, muscle and joint pains, nausea, vomiting, skin rashes, etc. In some cases, patients also develop gum bleeding, nose bleeding, bruising, and severe abdominal pain.”
Which diagnostic tests should be done?
As per the doctor, the goal should be to detect the infection early. Anyone who develops a fever during the monsoon should take it seriously and visit a doctor to check whether it is viral fever or dengue. He also mentioned that the NS1 antigen test, when done in the early days of fever, can help diagnose dengue effectively. Molecular tests, Dr Sehgal believed, such as PCR, may also be used in some cases, while dengue antibody tests are more helpful as the illness progresses. These tests help to give the complete picture because, according to the hempathologist, most may have normal platelets even in the early days of dengue, while low platelets might not necessarily mean a serious situation.
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
