Flu and dengue cases on the rise amidst COVID-19: Sure shot ways to keep yourself safe from dengue, malaria and chikungunya

There's been a concerning uptick in the number of dengue and malaria infections reported this year. While both dengue and malaria are seasonal vector-borne illnesses which come up during the monsoons, what's rather worrying is the surge in cases during the COVID-19 pandemic, which continues to pose danger. The illnesses also have a lot of overlapping symptoms, which can also make it harder to differentiate between symptoms, and prolong diagnosis.

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Having said that, while all the three illnesses are just as worrisome and threatening as COVID-19 (and chances of co-infection possible too), what we need right now is an added focus on preventive care practices and tips to keep dengue, chikungunya and malaria at bay, along with appropriate COVID-care practices. So, while there continues to be a stress on the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19, keeping seasonal, preventable illnesses at bay is important as well:

Seasonal illness like dengue, malaria, chikungunya and other seasonal infections may come up once in a while, but still pose a threat. There are increasing reports of the dengue virus variant, DENV-2 leading to serious illness and high fever, and landing more cases in the hospital this year. While these are preventable illnesses, any uptick in these infections can not just pose a challenge diagnostically, but also impact clinical outcomes, with all the illnesses.

Since these illnesses also have quite many overlapping symptoms, a poor or delayed diagnosis can also severely affect treatment and health, which may even cause severe outcomes or morbidity as well.

While the rise of these vector-borne illnesses, and the similar symptoms they share with COVID-19 is of utmost concern right now, there can be possible means through which simple COVID-19 measures could have increased our risk of being susceptible to these illnesses.

For one, not only do experts say that added COVID precautions over the two years decreased our immunity to such routine viruses (including flu and other seasonal ailments), but certain COVID-preventive measures such as ventilation (to cut down risk of airborne transmission) may make it relatively easier for mosquitoes to breed easy. Lax measures, and complacency with general health precautions also add to our risk.

It's important to remember that dengue, malaria and chikungunya are preventable diseases which can be managed by following simple measures. At a time when we cannot forego COVID measures, keeping some basic measures in mind will help minimize chances of infection:

-When you step out, wear clothes which offer maximum coverage

-Try and apply mosquito repellent creams or lotions to exposed body parts

-Carry and use extra masks when you go out to prevent infection risks.

-While you keep indoor areas ventilated, make sure you do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Make use of sprays, nets or insecticides to prevent entry.

-Avoid water stagnation and food decay

-Keep a check over the development of your symptoms, and take rightful action.

-Remember to get tested to rule out possible infections

The onset of dengue and malaria at this critical point also poses an added risk, since there can, and have been incidences wherein individuals have contracted two illnesses at the same time. This is what is known as coinfection.

Particularly with COVID-19, people who develop dengue or malaria are at a heightened risk of severe illness, since the infection-causing pathogen can deplete oxygen supply, blood clotting , respiratory complications and produce more inflammatory cytokines, which are harmful to the body.

Just like with COVID-19 , there are some people who have a higher risk of contracting the disease. Older people, ones with pre-existing comorbidities may have compromised or weak immune functioning that could make them vulnerable.

With the newer DENV-2 variant, it has also been reported that individuals who have caught dengue before can also be at risk right now.

Vaccination is one of the strongest measures to cut and minimize risks of infection, and has been proven to work with COVID-19. While we do have access to COVID-19 vaccines right now, no licensed vaccines for dengue and malaria are yet available, and hence, the only way to mitigate risks is prevention and management.

To minimize the risk of flu and viral illnesses, however, experts thoroughly advise people to get a flu vaccine on time and lessen individual risks. These vaccines are readily available, and can be taken at the same time as the COVID vaccine.