COVID-19 or Dengue? How to find Difference Between Symptoms

Table of Content

• COVID and its symptoms

• Dengue and its symptoms

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on COVID-19 or Dengue?

Introduction 

In recent years, the world has been grappling with two major infectious diseases: SARS COVID-19 and dengue fever. Both these diseases have infected over millions of people so far of which there has been a large no of mortality. 

While SARS-CoV-2 infects individuals via the respiratory route, the Dengue infected individuals following a bite of an infected mosquito of the Aedes species. However, it is well established that COVID-19 is not a mere respiratory infection but is a systemic illness. 

Although these diseases share some symptoms, it is crucial to understand their distinguishing features to ensure accurate identification and timely medical intervention. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 and dengue fever, enabling individuals to differentiate between the two and seek appropriate medical care promptly.

COVID and its symptoms

COVID-19  was the latest global pandemic the world faced which was caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. The infection was presumed to have primarily originated in animals, i.e. bats and then spread to humans through consumption of infected meat. 

COVID-19 is a respiratory ailment that spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or breathes. It can also spread by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching the face. It can manifest with a range of symptoms, varying from mild to severe. 

These symptoms typically appear within a window of 2 to 14 days after exposure. The most common symptoms associated with COVID-19 include the following:

• Fever: Persistent fever, often accompanied by chills or sweating.

• Cough: Dry cough that can be persistent and irritating.

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, particularly in severe cases.

• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or fatigue that can last for days or weeks.

• Muscle or Body Aches: Generalized muscle pain or body aches.

• Loss of Taste or Smell: Sudden loss of taste or smell, known as anosmia.

• Sore Throat: Discomfort or pain in the throat.

• Headache: Persistent headaches.

Dengue and its symptoms

Dengue fever is a viral illness that poses a significant public health concern, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, particularly Aedes aegypti. 

These mosquitoes are commonly found in urban areas and breed in stagnant water sources, such as flower pots, discarded tires, or uncovered water containers. When a mosquito carrying the dengue virus bites a person, they can become infected.

The symptoms of dengue fever typically manifest within 3 to 14 days after a mosquito bite. Common signs and symptoms include:

• High Fever: Dengue fever is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, often exceeding 104°F (40°C). The fever may last for 5 to 7 days.

• Severe Headache: Intense headaches, usually felt behind the eyes, are a common symptom of dengue fever.

• Joint and Muscle Pain: Severe joint and muscle pain, often described as a feeling of bones breaking, are distinguishing features of dengue fever.

• Rash and Skin Irritation: Many individuals affected by dengue fever develop a rash, which may manifest as small red spots or patches on the skin. The rash tends to be itchy and typically appears after the fever subsides.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Some individuals with dengue fever experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.

• Bleeding Tendencies: In severe cases of dengue fever, individuals may exhibit bleeding from the nose or gums, easy bruising, or other signs of abnormal bleeding.

While there are overlapping symptoms between COVID-19 and dengue fever, there are key differences that can aid in distinguishing between the two:

• Respiratory Symptoms: COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory system, causing coughing, shortness of breath, and loss of taste and smell. Dengue fever, on the other hand, rarely affects the respiratory system.

• Fever Characteristics: Dengue fever often presents with a sudden onset of high fever, while COVID-19 fever may persist but generally does not reach the same high temperatures.

• Joint and Muscle Pain: Severe joint and muscle pain are more commonly associated with dengue fever as compared to COVID-19.

• Bleeding Tendencies: Bleeding tendencies are associated with severe dengue fever cases, whereas they are not typical in COVID-19.

• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness or fatigue is a common symptom of COVID-19, whereas it is not a prominent symptom in dengue fever.

• Loss of Taste or Smell: Anosmia, or the sudden loss of taste or smell, is a unique symptom of COVID-19 and is not typically associated with dengue fever.

• Skin Rash: While a rash is a common symptom of dengue fever, it is not typically seen in COVID-19 cases.

• Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are more commonly reported in dengue fever, whereas they are less frequently associated with COVID-19.

It is important to note that these are general differentiating factors, and the presentation of symptoms can vary from person to person. If you experience any symptoms or suspect exposure to either disease, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical care.

Take-Home Points

It is critical to correctly identify the symptoms of COVID-19 and dengue fever in order to receive quick diagnosis and proper medical care. If you have any symptoms or suspect you have been exposed to either disease, it is important that you consult a healthcare expert, follow local testing and quarantine procedures, and take preventive actions to reduce the risk of transmission. We can effectively combat these diseases and protect our health and well-being by staying educated and taking proper action.