Covid-19 or monsoon disease? Mumbai doctors explain the difference in symptoms

Even as India is witnessing a surge in Covid19 cases the early arrival of rain is also raising the risk of monsoon diseases like seasonal flu influenza dengue malaria and typhoid among othersCurrently Maharashtra is among the three regions in India reporting the highest number of Covid19 cases Delhi and Kerala being the other two According to the latest data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare the state had reported 210 active Covid19 cases as of May 26At the same time with the arrival of the monsoon season Maharashtra is also witnessing heavy rainfall which poses a risk of various monsoon illnesses This comes with the possibility of people getting confused about some symptoms resembling those of Covid19 especially because this not the first timeThe last time Covid19 took over the world in 2020 there was confusion and this simply serves as a reminder As cases of the respiratory virus increase there is a possibility of panic or lack of people taking it seriously This reaction can make it difficult for people to differentiate between Covid19 and seasonal diseases to seek timely medical attentionDr Sandeep Gore who is the director of Emergency Medicine at Fortis Hospital in Mulund says ldquoSome monsoon diseases like dengue malaria leptospirosis seasonal flu influenza and chikungunya present symptoms similar to Covid19 These include fever body ache fatigue headache cough and sore throat and gastrointestinal symptoms like vomitingdiarrheardquoCovid19 vs monsoon diseases Whatrsquos the differenceIt is important to know the specific symptoms of these diseases to get correct and timely diagnosis and medical attentionDr Harish Chafle who is the senior consultant intensivist chest physician bronchoscopist and sleep disorders specialist at Gleneagles Hospital in Parel informs ldquoTo tell the difference one has to watch out for specific signs of diseases Dengue and malaria often cause high fever with chills and body rashes typhoid gives stomach pain and slowrising fever while Covid19 may cause loss of smell cough and breathing issues However a proper test by a medical professional is the best way to confirm the exact illness and avoid confusionrdquoWhile not all monsoon diseases can get transmitted from person to person Covid19 spreads through respiratory droplets Hence one needs to be on the lookout for specific symptoms of the respiratory virus not only to get timely treatment but also prevent further spread of infectionDr Gore reveals the following ways one can identify Covid19Respiratory symptoms Dry cough shortness of breath and loss of smell or taste are hallmark Covid19 symptoms and are less common in dengue malaria or chikungunyaFever pattern Covid19 fever may be intermittent and often responds to paracetamol whereas dengue fever is typically highgrade 104ndash105 degrees Fahrenheit and persistent and malaria fever is cyclicalGastrointestinalneurological symptoms Severe gastrointestinal issues diarrhea vomiting or neurological symptoms dizziness seizures in Covid19 are less common in monsoon diseases except typhoid or severe dengueSteps to take if you observe symptomsExperts recommend seeking medical attention if you observe symptoms of Covid19 or any other monsoon diseaseWhile it is important to rest well and consume healthy foods and fluids if you experience fever cough or fatigue you should also isolate immediately if Covid19 is suspected to prevent the spread of infectionDr Chafle says ldquoMonitor your health wear a mask and seek medical advice without wasting any time Get tested to know the exact illness so the right treatment can start without delay Donrsquot try any home remedies and avoid selfmedicationrdquoBeyond the symptoms taking diagnostic tests are important to identify the illness Dr Gore shares ldquoGet tested with RTPCR Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction or Antigen test along with CBC Complete Blood Count Dengue NS1 NonStructural Protein 1 and MP Malarial Parasite test as per presenting symptomsrdquoAge groups and gender at riskEveryone should be careful about these diseases take precautions and keep an eye on symptoms however certain groups can be more at riskWhile the elderly above 65 years immunocompromised individuals unvaccinated people and those with comorbidities like diabetes and heart disease should be more careful about Covid19 people living in areas with heavy rainfall poor drainage and mosquito infestation are more at risk of contracting monsoon diseasesAdditionally children and pregnant women may be more susceptible to dengue and malaria and individuals with open wounds or exposure to contaminated water may be more at risk of leptospirosis according to Dr GorePrecautionsIndian health experts and authorities have said that there is no need to worry about Covid19 since most infections are not severe however precaution is highly advised Similarly one can protect themselves from a range of monsoon diseases through a few simple prevention measuresDr Chafle and Dr Gore recommend the following precautionsAgainst Covid19Wear masks in crowded or enclosed spacesPractice social distancing whenever possible Avoid being around people who might be sickEnsure you are up to date on your vaccinationbooster dosesEat a wellbalanced diet follow cough etiquette and disinfect frequently touched surfacesAvoid any travel if you are symptomaticAgainst monsoon diseasesKeep your surroundings clean and dry to stop mosquito breeding Avoid stagnant water inside and around your homeUse mosquito nets insect repellents and wear long or fullsleeved clothesDrink clean boiled water and eat freshly cooked food to avoid infections Avoid street food or uncovered foodDisclaimer This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance