Fever, headache, body aches and muscle fatigue. These are symptoms commonly reported by those who contract dengue fever or Covid-19, diseases with a high incidence in these first months of the year, and which mobilize the health areas, in the public and private sectors.
Doctor Cecília Faria da Costa, who works at the Unimed Adamantina Medical Center, highlights that given the similarities, it can become difficult to differentiate the two diseases.
She reinforces that the guidelines are, above all, for prevention, and if you have contracted any of the diseases, it is essential to seek care from health services. “That is why it is important to know how to find the divergent characteristics between the two infections, and when any symptom appears, it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible.”
Medical Center is located at Avenida Rio Branco, 310 (Siga Mais).
Both diseases are caused by viruses, but transmission occurs differently: dengue is transmitted through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Covid-19 is transmitted by droplets of respiratory secretions from an infected person.
In dengue, the most classic symptom is high fever, which appears abruptly at the beginning of the infection. Covid is characterized by respiratory symptoms. “It is worth remembering that there are also asymptomatic cases in both diseases”, warns the professional.
Main symptoms of dengue
- High fever, above 38°C;
- Pain in the body and joints;
- Pain behind the eyes;
- Malaise;
- Lack of appetite;
- Headache;
- Red spots on the body.
However, dengue infection can be asymptomatic, present mild symptoms or have warning and serious signs. Normally, the first manifestation of dengue fever is a high fever (above 38°C), with an abrupt onset, which generally lasts 2 to 7 days, accompanied by headache, body and joint pain, as well as prostration, weakness, pain behind the eyes and red spots on the skin.
The diagnosis of dengue can be made by clinical examination and confirmed by a blood test.
Main symptoms of Covid-19
In the case of Covid-19, signs of mild, moderate or severe cases may occur. Mild cases of the disease caused by the coronavirus are characterized by the presence of non-specific symptoms, such as:
- Cough;
- Sore throat;
- Runny nose;
- Loss of smell;
- Abdominal pain;
- Fatigue.
Moderate cases may include all of these symptoms and also signs of progressive worsening of another symptom related to Covid-19 (muscle weakness, prostration, decreased appetite, diarrhea), in addition to the presence of pneumonia without signs or symptoms of severity.
Severe cases involve dyspnea/respiratory discomfort or persistent pressure in the chest or oxygen saturation less than 95% in room air or bluish discoloration of lips or face.
The diagnosis of Covid-19 can be made through clinical examination and laboratory tests on samples collected mainly from the nose.
Prevention
In both cases, prevention can help prevent both diseases. Doctor Cecília Faria da Costa highlights that dengue prevention mainly involves eliminating places that accumulate stagnant water, potential breeding grounds for the Aedes aegypti mosquito. According to the Ministry of Health, 75% of dengue mosquito breeding sites are in homes and backyards.
As for Covid-19, prevention involves using masks, especially in crowds, keeping hands clean by washing or using alcohol, and keeping the vaccination schedule against the disease up to date. “There was an increase in cases of both diseases at the beginning of the year. Therefore, it is essential to double down on prevention”, highlights the professional.
Medical Center
The vaccines sector at the Unimed Adamantina Medical Center has vaccines that protect against both diseases. In addition, its professionals are available for guidance, diagnosis and treatment, to promote the health and well-being of beneficiaries.
The space is at Avenida Rio Branco, 310, downtown. Open from Monday to Friday, from 8am to 8pm. For information, (18) 3502-4600.
(Reproduction/Agência Brasil).
Tags: Dengue covid19 Unimed Adamantina warns increase cases guidance Health
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