Fever is common but the cause of it can be different & identification is important for a complete treatment.

The monsoon season refreshes us from the sizzling summer heat. This change in weather makes for a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. These foreign bodies give rise to fever, which is a very common occurrence during this season. Though this is an unmissable sign that indicates an attack by the pathogens on your health, there is more to fever than meets the eye. So, differentiate the Fever for Right Diagnosis.

MOSQUITO-BORNE INFECTIONS

MALARIA: One of the most common monsoon diseases, malaria is caused by the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito which breeds in stagnant water.

This fever is usually associated with bouts of shivering, chills, body aches and sweating. The symptoms usually appear in cycles due to the life cycle of the malarial parasite as they develop and reproduce in the human body.

DENGUE: Dengue is a viral infection caused by the bite of a female Aedes aegypti mosquito. There are four serotypes of dengue virus.

It could manifest as a sudden high-grade fever, skin rash, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, severe joint and muscle pain. Hence the name break-bone fever.

While Dengue RT-PCR remains the most sensitive and specific test for dengue, a combined NS1 antigen, IgM, and IgG test can help detect both early and late dengue disease.

WATER-BORNE INFECTIONS

TYPHOID: Caused due to contaminated food and water, typhoid fever is usually associated with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and headaches. The fever during typhoid rises over the course of each day and drops by morning, in a step ladder pattern.

GASTROENTERITIS: Accompanied by inflammation and irritation in the stomach, gastroenteritis spreads due to the waterlogging and improper drainage. Low-grade fever along with symptoms such as watery stools, abdomen pain, cramps, nausea and vomiting could indicate gastroenteritis.

AIR-BORNE INFECTIONS

COLD: Although common cold and cough are prevalent around the year, they are on the rise particularly during monsoon. The most common causes of the common cold are viruses. In addition to low-grade fever, sneezing, sore throat, fatigue and nasal discharge are the most common symptoms associated with a cold.

FLU: Flu, also known as influenza, is a common respiratory illness. Its common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, muscle pain and headache. Typically, a person develops symptoms anywhere from 1 to 4 days after catching the infection.

COVID-19: Known symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, sore throat, and loss of smell and/or taste. However, symptoms such as pink eyes (conjunctivitis), headache, body ache, diarrhea and vomiting are also witnessed in some patients.

HOW TO BREAK A FEVER?

Stay at home and take sufficient rest

Drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated

Try cold sponging or tepid water sponging

Wear light, loose cotton clothes

Take fever-reducing medicines after speaking with a doctor

Stay one step ahead of common monsoon illnesses and its symptoms with our fever care range.

Get advice from an expert, if you have a fever that:

Does not get better even after 3 days

Keeps coming back after a few days

Rises above 104°F (40°C)

Is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, headache, rash, abdominal pain, breathing difficulty and seizure.

Type of test should be done if have fever:

A fever panel that includes CBC, ESR, WIDAL or Typhi Dot for Typhoid, Dengue NS1, Dengue IGG and IGM, Smear or Rapid Malaria Antigen for Malaria, SARS-CoV-2 Antigen, CRP, LFT, LFT, FBS would be advisable.