Dengue and respiratory diseases: know the main symptoms

Brazil is facing an epidemic of dengue fever, a disease that has symptoms similar to those of other illnesses. The arrival of autumn brings a typical concern at this time of year, the increase in cases of respiratory diseases.

Despite the similarity, it is important to know how to differentiate the symptoms of dengue, Covid-19, influenza and rotavirus. In addition to facilitating a possible diagnosis, identifying symptoms assertively can help and speed up the steps following diagnosis. In all of the diseases mentioned, the patient can die if the condition worsens.

Characteristics of each disease

The main characteristic symptoms of COVID-19 are: chills, tiredness, runny nose, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, sore throat, muscle pain, fever, loss of taste and cough.

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_{Covid test (Photo: reproduction/ Getty Images Embed)}

In cases of dengue fever, the patient may experience high fever, malaise, red spots and persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, headache and muscle pain can also be detected in these cases. In more serious cases (known as dengue hemorrhagic fever), other symptoms can also be identified, including severe abdominal pain, hepatomegaly (enlarged liver), bleeding in the mucous membranes and a drop in blood pressure.

Influenza's main symptoms are headache, body pain, sore throat, fever and cough. In cases of Rotavirus, the patient may present: diarrhea, dehydration and fever.

Diagnosis

Although identifying symptoms is essential for diagnosis, it is worth emphasizing that confirmation of the respective disease can only be carried out through laboratory tests.

In addition to similar symptoms, Covid-19, dengue fever, influenza and rotavirus also have a common risk group. In general, immunosuppressed patients, the elderly and children under 2 years of age are more susceptible to developing these diseases.

Featured Photo: dengue test (Reproduction/ Getty Images Embed / Kitsawet Saethao)