Fever Alert: Dengue & Flu Surge Citywide

Health officials report that both dengue and influenza viruses are actively circulating, leading to a consistent number of fever cases in city hospitals. Doctors are advising the public to be vigilant and distinguish between the symptoms of these two common illnesses. Dengue is characterized by high fever, body aches, and headaches without respiratory issues, whereas influenza typically presents with fever along with cold, cough, and throat pain.

While current fever outpatient numbers and admissions appear to be in line with the expected seasonal trend from September to November, some government hospitals have reported full fever wards, with patients experiencing recovery. Experts note a slight excess of dengue cases this year, with some adolescents presenting late and developing complications like capillary leak syndrome. This season, dengue cases are expected to peak after mid-November rainfall and subside by late February.

Medical professionals are urging caution, particularly for vulnerable groups like the elderly and pregnant women, as influenza can escalate to severe respiratory infections. Dengue requires careful monitoring, with a complete blood count being a key diagnostic test to check for a drop in platelet count. In children, warning signs for dengue include abdominal pain, vomiting, drowsiness, and refusal to feed. The community is reminded to take preventive measures against mosquito breeding.