Fever is one of the most common illnesses caused by several factors, differing from viral and bacterial infections to environmental conditions. Among them, one of the critical fevers is Dengue, a mosquito-borne viral infection. At the same time, both normal and Dengue fevers have similar symptoms, so it’s vital to know the differences to get timely medical attention.
Viral fever is the strongest fever but will last just three days, accompanied by severe chills and body pain. While on the other hand, Dengue fever is transmitted by the tiger mosquito. So, just read this blog further to get a clear picture of how to differentiate the symptoms of normal fever from dengue fever.
What Is Viral And Dengue Fever?
Viral fever is a profound term encompassing illnesses caused by viral infection. Viruses, microscopic infectious agents, invade host cells, triggering immune responses that often manifest as elevated body temperatures. Some of the most common viral fevers include influenza viruses, rhinoviruses causing colds, and adenoviruses. Typical viral fever symptoms include fever, fatigue, body pain, headaches, and respiratory problems like coughing and nasal congestion.
Simply, most viral fevers are self-limiting and can be controlled with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications, only the extreme cases need medical attention. You can take some preventive measures, like proper hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick people, and vaccination against preventable viral infections, to stay away from the viral fever.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral illness caused by the dengue virus, mainly transmitted when an infected female Aedes mosquito bites humans, notably Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Mostly seen in tropical and subtropical regions, dengue fever is a major global health concern. Common symptoms of dengue fever include a rapid onset of high fever, severe head pain, joint and muscle pain, a skin rash, and mild bleeding tendencies.
Most of the time, it will be a self-limiting illness, while a few people may develop severe forms of the disease, like dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which can be more severe. You can take some preventive measures, like controlling mosquito populations by eliminating breeding sites and employing insecticides.
How Dengue Differs From Normal Fever?
Dengue has the potential to weaken your immune system. Fever, along with other symptoms like fatigue and joint pain, are the primary signs of dengue that can be managed and treated at home. Whereas, medical attention is crucial for severe symptoms. Likewise, viral fever is also concerning, and it also comes with symptoms such as severe chills and body pain but will last just for three to five days. While both dengue and normal fever may share some similar symptoms in terms of severity.
Fever may be the primary symptom for almost all ailments that stimulate a high body temperature. Notably, an individual must know how to find it in the early stages, and it’s vital to understand the difference between a normal fever and dengue.
A normal fever is transmitted through the air, by aerosol droplets from an affected person, or by placing hands on contaminated surfaces, while dengue fever is a result of mosquito bites. Most importantly, viral fever can be transmitted from person to person, but dengue cannot be transmitted through touch and is not airborne.
How To Differentiate The Symptoms?
Differentiating the symptoms of dengue fever from those of normal fever can be challenging because both share similar features. However, some small differences can assist in determining whether a person is affected by dengue fever or a normal fever. It’s crucial to remember that only General Medicine Doctors in Coimbatore can offer a definitive diagnosis. Further, let’s see some factors to be considered:
1. Onset And Duration:
- Dengue Fever: Usually dengue lasts for 2–7 days, and if it is untreated, the time will get extended. This sudden onset sets dengue apart from the more gradual beginnings of several normal fevers.
- Normal Fever: Regular fever usually starts gradually, with the onset depending on the underlying cause. They will only last a few days.
2. Pain And Aches:
- Dengue Fever: The well-known symptom of dengue is intense joint and muscle pain, also known as “break-bone fever.” This extreme pain differentiates dengue from the milder pain accompanying a normal fever.
- Normal Fever: While muscle pains can accompany a normal fever, they are usually less severe than the strongest pain linked with dengue.
3. Skin Rash:
- Dengue Fever: After the onset of fever, an unusual skin rash will be manifested in dengue fever, accompanied by itching.
- Normal Fever: You can’t observe skin rashes in a normal fever, and if seen, they are usually linked with specific viral infections.
4. Bleeding Manifestations:
- Dengue Fever: Mild bleeding will be seen in the nose and gums, these are common in dengue and differentiate it from normal fever.
- Normal Fever: Unexpected bleeding will not be noticed in a normal fever and may indicate a more serious condition.
5. Headaches And Eye Pain:
- Dengue Fever: One of the main characteristics of dengue is severe headaches, notably behind the eyes.
- Normal Fever: Simply, both dengue and normal fever share the common symptom of headaches, but the intensity and location may vary.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, understanding the differences between dengue
fever and normal fever helps with timely and appropriate medical intervention. While both fevers share some common symptoms, like body pains, understanding the specific signs that set them apart is crucial.
Dengue exhibits some conditions like severe head pain, joint pain, and a distinct rash and requires timely medical attention due to its potential for complications, so just visit a General Medicine Hospital Coimbatore. In contrast, a normal fever often resolves with proper rest and over-the-counter medications. Being aware of the distinct symptoms and seeking medical advice when needed can impact the outcome for individuals affected by either condition.
