How to Tell the Difference Between Dengue, Cough, and Seasonal Colds

Making the distinction between dengue and a seasonal cold or cough might be essential for prompt medical attention. Common symptoms of a common cold or cough include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, and even a low temperature. Rest and over-the-counter drugs may help control these symptoms, which are often transient. Dengue fever, on the other hand, has unique symptoms that include a high temperature, excruciating joint and muscular pain, rash, and a decrease in platelet count that may result in bleeding.

In an exclusive interview with Jagran English, Dr. Neha Mishra, an infectious disease consultant at Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, discussed how to distinguish between dengue and seasonal colds.

Says Dr. Neha Dengue fever and seasonal flu have one thing in common: they are both viral infections that may have some initial symptoms in common. Despite the fact that their pathophysiology, manner of dissemination, and modes of therapy vary greatly.

Dengue: The virus that causes it is the Dengue virus, which is a member of the flavivirus family. Mosquitoes of the Aedes aegypti vector disseminate it. After being bitten by a mosquito, patients may have symptoms 8 to 12 days later. High-grade fever, intense myalgia, headache, backache, rash, and other symptoms are common. Patients may have problems such as shock and bleeding symptoms if there is a delay in identification and treatment. The mainstay of treatment for dengue is symptomatic care and adequate hydration.

Similarities: Their symptoms are the sole possible commonality; that is, they may both appear with myalgias and a high-grade fever. Seasonal flu may be mistaken for dengue fever, or for any other viral infection, if its respiratory symptoms are less noticeable.