Tezzbuzz Desk- Complaints like fever, body ache and weakness become common during the rainy season. But not every fever is dengue and not every flu is swine flu. The initial symptoms of both the diseases can be similar, so it is difficult to identify the disease just by looking at the symptoms. Know what is the difference between dengue and influenza and when it is necessary to contact a doctor.

With increasing rain and humidity, the risk of diseases caused by mosquitoes increases. On the other hand, influenza i.e. flu can also spread rapidly among people. Both dengue and flu can cause complaints like fever, headache, body ache and fatigue. This is the reason why many times patients ignore the initial symptoms considering them to be normal viral. However, the way both diseases spread and some major symptoms are different. According to the World Health Organization, dengue is spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, while influenza can be spread by particles exhaled through coughing, sneezing or breathing by an infected person.

How does dengue spread?

Dengue is an infection caused by dengue virus. Its main carrier is Aedes mosquito. These mosquitoes remain active even during the day and can breed in water accumulated around houses. Not allowing water to accumulate in coolers, pots, water tanks, old tires and other such places can help in preventing dengue. To avoid mosquitoes, clothes covering the body and mosquito repellent measures can also be used.

What are the main symptoms of dengue?

In dengue, many other symptoms can usually appear along with sudden high fever. These include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, pain in muscles and joints, nausea or vomiting, skin rash, weakness and fatigue. According to WHO, symptoms of dengue can start about 4 to 10 days after infection and in normal cases can last for 2 to 7 days.

What happens in swine flu or influenza?

What is colloquially called swine flu may be a respiratory disease to the influenza virus. In flu, respiratory symptoms may be more prominent along with fever and body ache. Its common symptoms include:

• sudden fever


• dry or persistent cough


• sore throat


• runny or blocked nose


• Headache


• muscle and joint pain


• extreme fatigue

According to WHO, symptoms of influenza usually begin 1 to 4 days after infection and most people recover in about a week.

What is the biggest difference between dengue and flu?

The simplest difference is that dengue is spread through mosquitoes, while flu is spread through an infected person.. In dengue, symptoms like pain behind the eyes, severe headache, pain in joints and muscles and skin rashes can be seen more. Whereas in flu, respiratory symptoms like cough, sore throat and runny nose are more prominent. However, the symptoms of both the diseases can be similar to each other, hence it is not right to make a definite diagnosis on the basis of symptoms alone.

Low platelet count is not a sure sign of dengue.

There is often concern about platelets in dengue. But just by looking at the number of platelets it cannot be decided whether a person has dengue or not. The disease is confirmed on the basis of doctor's advice and necessary tests. Similarly, flu can also be identified on the basis of the patient's symptoms, spread of the disease and testing, if necessary. Other viral infections can also cause flu-like symptoms.

When should one immediately go to the doctor?

In dengue, even after the fever subsides, the patient's condition may worsen. Signs like severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, rapid breathing, bleeding gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, extreme weakness or restlessness can be warning signs of severe dengue. If such symptoms appear, medical help should be sought immediately. Even in flu, difficulty in breathing, continuously worsening condition or severe weakness should not be ignored. Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people already suffering from any disease may be at higher risk of flu complications.

What to do for protection?

To avoid dengue, do not allow water to accumulate in and around the house, protect yourself from mosquitoes and adopt repellents or other safety measures even during the day. To prevent flu, it can be helpful to avoid crowded closed places, maintain adequate ventilation in the room, keep hands clean and cover the mouth and nose while coughing and sneezing. Maintaining distance from others when sick also helps prevent the spread of infection.

Do not ignore fever as normal

The initial symptoms of both dengue and flu can be similar. Therefore, if you have high fever along with severe body pain, persistent cough, difficulty in breathing, vomiting or other serious symptoms, then consult a doctor instead of taking medicine on your own. Identification of the disease at the right time and proper treatment is the best way to avoid serious complications.