Thiruvananthapuram: Amid rising COVID-19 active cases, the risk of monsoon diseases like influenza, seasonal flu, dengue, malaria, chikungunya and typhoid looms large with the early arrival of the monsoon in Kerala.
COVID- 19 and monsoon diseases present similar symptoms that include fever, body ache, fatigue, headache, sore throat and vomiting, which make it difficult to differentiate between them, Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor, National Communicable Disease Programme, said.
Therefore, it is important for people to know the specific symptoms of these diseases to get correct and timely attention, renowned Epidemiologist said.
“One has to observe carefully for specific signs of diseases to recognise the difference. Dengue and malaria often cause high fever with chills and body rashes, typhoid gives stomach pain and slow-rising fever, while Covid-19 may cause loss of smell, cough, and breathing issues. However, a proper test by a medical expert is the best way to confirm the exact illness and avoid confusion,” Purohit, who is also Principal Investigator for National Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, said.
“While it is important to rest well and consume healthy food and fluids.
It is also important to isolate immediately if one is suspecting Covid-19,” he averred.
“Monitor 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. Don’t try any home remedies and avoid self-medication,” he advised.
“Beyond the symptoms, taking diagnostic tests are important to identify the illness,” he added.
“Get tested with RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) or Antigen test, along with CBC (Complete Blood Count),
Dengue NS1 (Non-Structural Protein 1), and MP (Malarial Parasite) tests as per presenting symptoms.” he urged.
“While the elderly above 65 years, immunocompromised individuals, unvaccinated people and those with comorbidities like diabetes and heart disease should be more careful about Covid-19, people living in areas with heavy rainfall, poor drainage and mosquito infestation are more at risk of contracting monsoon diseases,” he cautioned.
“Additionally, 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,” he added.
