As the seasons change, many people begin to associate fever with the common cold or seasonal flu. However, it will not be so easy to avoid fever in this season as it is also giving rise to other diseases.

A dangerous cocktail of viruses, bacteria and parasites like dengue, malaria, chikungunya and even COVID-19 is at its peak, complicating common respiratory diseases caused by rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus.

Explaining the current situation, Dr. Neha Rastogi Panda, consultant, infectious diseases, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram, said, “Hospitals are seeing a significant increase in patients with a variety of viral and bacterial infections. “Generally leads to an increase in respiratory problems.” “This year we are seeing a wide range of diseases, including COVID-19, dengue, malaria and chikungunya.”

The rise in cases is due to seasonal changes that promote the breeding of mosquitoes such as Aedes mosquitoes, which spread dengue and malaria, and fluctuations in immunity levels following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given this increase in infections, it is important to recognize that not all fevers are caused by the common cold. Symptoms of different diseases often overlap, making accurate diagnosis important.

Dr. Panda said, “With symptoms overlapping, diagnosis becomes extremely important. It is imperative to avoid self-medication, as over-the-counter painkillers can be counterproductive in many of these diseases. Individual and Early identification is essential for both family contacts.”

a wide range of infections

Many diseases are spreading simultaneously in this season. Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and viral respiratory infections like flu and COVID-19 are all on the rise, presenting with similar initial symptoms like fever, headache and body aches.

However, each disease also has its own specific symptoms that can help doctors make a proper diagnosis.

“Seasonal change brings an increase in infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites, many of which present with similar symptoms such as fever, headache, malaise,” said Dr. Mahua Kapoor Dasgupta, director of medical affairs (infectious diseases) at HaystackAnalytics. and general weakness.”

He explained how different infections cause different symptoms. “For example, viral upper respiratory infections often come with runny nose and conjunctivitis, while dengue comes with retro-orbital pain, rash and severe ‘bone-breaking’ pain – also seen in chikungunya,” she said. .

Timely diagnosis and treatment

Doctors advise that accurate and prompt diagnosis is essential, as treatment for these diseases varies widely.

“Treatment should be chosen according to the cause. Bacterial infections require antibacterial antibiotics, while viral infections usually require supportive therapy such as rest, fluids and antipyretics. Platelet count for dengue Close monitoring is required, and malaria is treated with anti-malaria drugs,” Dr Dasgupta said.

The expert cautioned that a common mistake this season is the misuse of antibiotics.

Since not all fevers are bacterial, overprescribing antibiotics for viral infections may lead to resistance and delay treatment of the actual cause of the illness.

“If the infection is not diagnosed correctly and promptly, it can lead to misuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics or, worse, delay in treatment can lead to life-threatening complications,” warned Dr. Dasgupta.

If you experience persistent fever or other symptoms, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible.

Diagnostic tests are available to help find the exact cause of the disease. “Selecting the appropriate diagnostic test can ensure accurate diagnosis, helping the doctor initiate the specific treatment needed,” said Dr. Dasgupta.

Currently, tests such as NS1 antigen, IgM and IgG antibody tests for dengue and malaria antigen test with microscopy for malaria are widely used.

Multiplex PCR testing can detect multiple organisms in a single test, offering faster and more comprehensive diagnosis.

Since fever increases at this time of the year, do not assume that it is just the common cold. Diseases such as dengue, malaria and chikungunya are prevalent, and accurate diagnosis is essential for proper treatment. As Dr. Panda emphasizes, “Early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes.”