Flu Season Increases Dengue and Malaria Risk

Flu Season Triggers Rise in Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya

This flu season, fevers may indicate more than just a common cold, as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and Covid-19 cases are on the rise.

As the weather shifts, many people associate fevers with the common cold or seasonal flu. However, this year, avoiding fevers may be challenging as they trigger other illnesses.

A dangerous mix of viruses, bacteria, and parasites such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and even Covid-19 are spiking, complicating what many assume to be ordinary respiratory illnesses. Dr. Neha Rastogi Panda, Consultant Infectious Diseases at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurugram, explained, “Hospitals are seeing a significant surge in patients with various viral and bacterial infections. While flu season typically brings an uptick in respiratory illnesses, this year we observe a broader range of diseases including Covid-19, dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.”

The rise in these cases is attributed to seasonal changes that facilitate the breeding of mosquitoes like Aedes, which spread dengue and malaria, along with fluctuating immunity levels following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Given this surge in infections, it’s essential to recognize that not all fevers are caused by the common cold. The symptoms of various diseases often overlap, making accurate diagnosis crucial.

Dr. Panda added, “With overlapping symptoms, diagnostics become paramount. Avoiding self-medication is mandatory, as over-the-counter painkillers can be counterproductive in many of these illnesses. Early identification is necessary for both individuals and family contacts.”

A Broader Range of Infections

This season, many illnesses circulate simultaneously. Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, and viral respiratory infections like flu and Covid-19 are all on the rise, presenting similar early symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches.

However, each disease has specific signs that can help doctors make an accurate diagnosis.

Dr. Mahua Kapoor Dasgupta, Director of Medical Affairs (Infectious Diseases) at Haystack Analytics, stated, “Seasonal changes bring an increase in infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, many of which present similar symptoms like fever, headache, malaise, and general weakness.”

She elaborated on how different infections manifest with distinct symptoms. “For example, viral upper respiratory infections often present with nasal discharge and conjunctivitis, while dengue shows retro-orbital pain, rash, and severe ‘breakbone’ pain, which is also seen in chikungunya.”

Timely Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors emphasize the need for accurate and timely diagnosis, as treatments for these illnesses vary widely.

“The choice of treatment should be tailored to the underlying cause. Bacterial infections require antibiotics, while viral infections typically necessitate supportive care such as rest, fluids, and antipyretics. Monitoring platelet counts closely is vital for dengue, while malaria treatment involves anti-malarials and fluid management,” Dr. Dasgupta explained.

A common mistake during this season is the misuse of antibiotics, experts warned. Since not all fevers are bacterial, excessive prescriptions for viral infections can lead to resistance and delays in treating the actual illness.

“If infections are not diagnosed correctly and in a timely manner, it could lead to the inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics or, worse, delays in treatment that could cause life-threatening complications,” warned Dr. Dasgupta.

If you experience persistent fever or other symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a doctor promptly.

Diagnostic tests are available to help identify the precise cause of the illness. “Choosing the right diagnostic test is essential for ensuring an accurate diagnosis so that doctors can initiate targeted treatment,” Dr. Dasgupta said.

Currently, NS1 antigen, IgM, and IgG antibody tests are widely used for dengue, while microscopy alongside malaria antigen tests is employed for malaria.

Multiplex PCR tests can also help detect multiple pathogens in a single test, enabling quicker and broader diagnostics.

As fever cases rise this season, do not assume it’s just a common cold. Dengue, malaria, and chikungunya are prevalent, and accurate diagnosis is essential for appropriate treatment. As Dr. Panda noted, “Early diagnosis can improve outcomes.”