People are terrified of coronavirus. The number of corona patients in Bangladesh is increasing day by day. Again, dengue has been added as a new terror. So, if you have a fever, how do you know if it is corona or dengue?
Because of the Covid-19 panic, many people are now going to get a corona test if they have a fever. Test results are coming in negative but the fever is not going away. There is growing concern about this dilemma. Fever does not mean that you have corona. Don’t forget that outbreaks of dengue are on the rise. Maybe you have dengue!
Dengue fever and corona symptoms are the same, but how to differentiate?
What are the Symptoms?
Initially, the symptoms of all viral diseases begin with fever. All of them can cause fever, body aches or body aches, nausea, vomiting, nausea, and fatigue. Along with these symptoms, Influenza and corona may have a sore throat and dry cough. The mild symptoms of corona infection are similar to the common flu. But at this time these common symptoms also need to be taken into account and corona should be tested.
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Meanwhile, the symptoms of dengue include severe headache, body aches, pain behind the eyes, body rash. However, the type of dengue changes a little every year. As a result, coughing is not strange. Vomiting, diarrhea may also occur.
However, corona and dengue, both diseases can cause red eyes. Therefore, if the fever rises above 101 degrees Fahrenheit, note the symptoms carefully and inform the doctor in detail. The government's health department is also recommending dengue testing with corona if you have a fever this season.
Keep in mind, dengue and chikungunya are spread through mosquito bites while the coronavirus is spread by sneezing, coughing, and breathing, by touching hands and objects. Covid is more contagious and deadly.
Read Knowing your Covid symptoms can help to make informed decisions
What to do if you have a Fever?
Whatever the reason for the fever, you can take treatment at home first. There is no need to be hospitalized if you have mild symptoms of corona or dengue. However, the person should be separated from everyone in the house.
Drinking enough water, coconut water, homemade fruit juices, soups, liquids will help to boost your weak body. However, the patient should not take any medicine other than paracetamol to reduce fever. Remember, corona or dengue either can cause liver or kidney problems. Therefore, do not take any kind of medicine without the advice of a physician or doctor. Keep track of the amount of urine. Besides, notice the speed of breathing and measure the oxygen saturation too. Eat nutritious food.
Usually, dengue complications start after five to six days of having a fever while corona can also have complications after three to four days of fever. So, you have to stay alert. However, in the case of corona infection, the results of the dengue test may not be accurate. So, it may be necessary to test two or three times. Corona and dengue can make the situation worse if they are together.
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When and Where to Test?
You will not know whether you have Covid or Dengue unless you test. The first thing is to consult a doctor if you have a fever. Not all the fevers are dengue or corona, it can be regular flu too. Due to this, self-testing would not be a good idea. Because, other common causes of fever, such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, typhoid, flu, etc., remain unknown if you do a self-test for dengue or corona. Patient’s signs, symptoms, and physical examination data are more important than testing. So let the doctor understand first.
The first symptom of dengue is a sudden high fever. Feeling very cold, severe body aches, fatigue, and tiredness. Fever can range from 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit. If treatment is not taken immediately, the fever will continue to rise in a rapid way. If these symptoms occur, a doctor's advice should be taken immediately and you might be instructed to get tested.
Dengue tests can be done in any nearby hospital in Dhaka city. For the outside of Dhaka, you can contact district hospitals and hospitals in thana level and private hospitals.
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You already know the Covid-19 symptoms. If you have Covid symptoms, you should consult a doctor. Before that, you can take the test too. Corona tests are being conducted at 120 centers in Dhaka and outside Dhaka. Besides, samples of suspected corona patients are being collected at District Sadar Hospital and Upazila Health Complexes.
Can the Same Patient Effect by Covid and Dengue at a Time?
According to Professor Abdullah, the same patient may have covid and dengue fever. There have already been some cases like that in India. However, there is no standard treatment procedure for patients who have contracted COVID-19 and dengue at the same time. “A finely balanced approach is needed to tackle both the ailments at once”, experts said. Nevertheless, symptomatic treatment is somewhat contradictory therefore the treatment procedure is tricky.
How to Stay Safe from Covid-19 and Dengue?
Prevention is better than cure for both diseases. So, try your best to protect yourself and your family's critical condition. To prevent dengue, keep the inside and surroundings of the house clean, do not allow water to accumulate anywhere. Sleep with a mosquito net. Try to keep the house mosquito-free. And to prevent corona, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask, follow hygiene rules and try to stay at home as much as possible.
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World Health Organizations’ (WHO) slogan to prevent Covid-19 is, “Wear a mask. Save lives.” What is more? WHO directed every person to maintain a safe distance outside of the home and wash/sanitize hands frequently. Even if you have a common cold cough, you have to use a mask and you should not touch your nose. If you sneeze or cough, use a tissue or handkerchief. If there is nothing, cover your face and sneeze and then wash your hands. Although initially skeptical, the use of masks is one of the most effective ways to prevent coronavirus infections, according to health officials in developed countries, including the World Health Organization.