How can we differentiate between monsoon illnesses and COVID-19?
Amid coronavirus pandemic, the monsoons are wreaking a different level of havoc. From the floods to the landslides, many natural disasters have occurred across the globe. But along with the environmental disasters, the monsoons have brought along various illnesses, which can have a huge impact on people's physical and mental well-being.
Given that regular monsoon illnesses carry symptoms that may seem similar to symptoms to COVID-19, many have entered a state of confusion. That said, it becomes crucial to understand how the two totally different diseases impact the body and what aspects do they have in common.
Common monsoon illnesses to watch out for
There are many types of illnesses that arise during the monsoons. Some of the most common monsoon diseases are as follows.
- Vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya
- Viral infections like common cold, viral fever
- Water-borne infections such as cholera, typhoid
Read more: Risk of COVID coinfection increases during monsoons; Here's how you can prevent it?
Coronavirus is a respiratory illness
COVID-19 impacts the respiratory system and slowly takes a toll on the entire body. It is caused by the SARs-COV-2 virus, which is said to mutate into different variants.
Given that the coronavirus infection first attacks the respiratory tracts, it can cause lung complications in patients, leading to symptoms such as cough, sore throat, loss of sense of smell and taste, shortness of breath and reduced lung capacity in severe COVID patients.
Read more: Coronavirus: Watch out for these 5 COVID symptoms if you're fully vaccinated
Symptoms that may be identical in both COVID-19 and various monsoon illnesses
Whether in terms of impact, transmissibility and severity, COVID-19 is a completely different disease from the monsoon illnesses. However, both share certain similarities in terms of symptoms.
- Vector-borne diseases often are accompanied by high-fever, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, which are extremely prevalent in COVID-19 too.
- Both COVID and common cold are respiratory illnesses which may lead to sore throat, cough, fever, body ache, congestion and more.
- Viral fever and other diseases like typhoid and cholera also trigger fever, muscle and joint pain, fatigue and weakness, chills, dizziness, sweating, dehydration, weakness and loss of appetite, which can occur in COVID-19 patients too.
How can we differentiate between common cold and COVID?
Differentiating between the common cold and COVID-19 is very difficult.
Considering both the ailments are associated with respiratory health, the symptoms are very much alike, making it even more difficult to tell them apart.
However, while cold symptoms tend to take a sudden toll and go away gradually, COVID symptoms arise gradually and linger on for days and every month. Experts advise getting oneself tested if in case of any symptoms.
Vector borne diseases may also have some commonalities with coronavirus infections
Although differentiating between a dengue-induced fever, fatigue and body ache and COVID-19 can be challenging, there are certain additional symptoms of COVID-19 that may help you identify the source of your illness.
Respiratory complications like dry cough, sore throat, loss of sense of smell and taste are all symptoms of COVID-19, which are less likely to be found in dengue patients. However, due to increased risk of coinfection, a person can be diagnosed with both dengue and COVID-19 at the same time.
How to stay safe from monsoon illnesses amid coronavirus pandemic?
During the monsoons, while common cold can be a leading problem, vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are very common.
Risks of coinfection are also on the rise, which have raised a lot of concerns amongst medical professionals. That said, in order to safeguard your health and ensure the physical well-being of your loved one, here are some things you can do.
- Avoid accumulation of freshwater in tyres, coolers and dark and dingy corners
- Use mosquito repellent creams or sprays when outdoors
- Wearing full sleeved clothes can really help us manage dengue risks
- In order to reduce COVID transmission risk, maintain social distance and continue wearing masks. Do not visit crowded places and stay home. Prioritize getting yourself vaccinated against COVID, so as to protect yourself and your loved ones.
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