So and so has
Covid
, so and so has
dengue
.
These are the two infections that are most worrying in society these days.
Although there are certain
symptoms
that both diseases share, there are others that differentiate them.
And that is where it can be repaired, to realize
what the condition is
and, consequently,
what should be done
in each case.
Obviously, a medical consultation with a clinical review and, sometimes, the ordering of a laboratory study, can provide the
precise information
.
But until that stage is reached, each person, with some key clues, can begin to suspect
where
the picture that has been their lot is moving.
In principle, based on officially reported statistics, it can be assumed that there are currently
more chances
of contracting dengue than Covid.
That is, about 15 thousand cases
of dengue have been added
per week, while in the last seven days surveyed, the registered Covid infections were just over
2 thousand
.
On the other hand, for the coronavirus to spread, only one infected person and another
in its radius of influence
are needed .
While in the case of dengue the only possibility for the disease to radiate is through the transmitting mosquito, the Aedes aegypti.
That is, an exogenous element
is needed
to the sender and receiver of the virus, which only exists to the extent that environmental conditions allow it.
In that, the prevention of dengue has an advantage over that of Covid.
And it is precisely the
lack of precautions
and sufficient public campaigns that fuels the epidemic.
A specimen of Aedes aegypti, transmitter of dengue, which proliferates in containers of water.
Photo: EFE
This year, a new factor
has also been added
that puts the tools for prevention on a more equal footing.
Since this season, the vaccine against dengue has been available, a medicine that in the case of Covid, on the other hand, has been available worldwide since the end of 2020.
How to distinguish if it is Covid or dengue
But going to the central point of the symptoms,
Clarín
asked Eduardo López, head of the Department of Medicine at the Ricardo Gutiérrez Children's Hospital, to do a
didactic review
on the issue, so that anyone can keep in mind and at hand what differentiates a disease of the other.
“The first thing is that dengue has
a much higher and more constant fever
than Covid.
That is, the person with Covid has a lower temperature and, in general, it lasts less time.
The second important point is that
the headache is more important
and severe in dengue than in Covid,” explained the expert.
These, one could say to begin with, are the two “mother signs” to take into account when trying to distinguish the invading pathogen.
But there is more: “Dengue adds two data, when they are present (between 45 and 50 percent of cases) at least in adolescents and children, which are
retro-ocular pain
(in the eyes) and
spinal pain
” .
The infectious disease specialist added that, in addition, “dengue has many more
muscle pains
than Covid.”
But what is
typical of Covid
that is not typical of dengue?
López was clear about this: “Covid has
respiratory symptoms
that are very rare in dengue, not to mention that they are not usually present.
That is, rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, feeling with a stuffy nose and cough are quite characteristic of Covid.”
Eduardo López did a didactic review to distinguish one painting from another.
Photo: Luciano Thieberger
On the other hand, the doctor also emphasized “the
time of year
.
In general, dengue is a
spring-summer
disease , and it fades away in
autumn
, something that Covid in general, although not always, has greater preponderance in autumn and winter.”
Another key difference is the
diagnostic methods
: “In Covid it is done by nasopharyngeal swab, a quick method that, if it is positive, you are infected.
And if not, the PCR, which when it is positive is important.
Furthermore, Covid does not have
a high degree of viremia
(viral load);
On the other hand, the diagnosis of dengue is made in the blood because between the first
five and seven
days the virus circulates in the blood and the specific antigen is sought there.”
What to do if you suspect dengue or Covid
Finally, the question that often arises as soon as the first symptoms that something is not right appear:
What to do?
“At this time of the epidemic outbreak, if you have a severe headache with high fever and severe muscle pain, it is dengue
until proven otherwise
.
One can go to a health center to make the diagnosis during the first five to seven days and with a blood sample the diagnosis is made.”
Is it always worth going to the doctor?
“Yes,” López continues, “because in dengue there may be alarm factors that require much
closer
control of the patient or
eventually hospitalization
, such as intense abdominal pain, fatigue, intense drop in platelets (fundamental elements for coagulation). , bleeding and loss of lymphocytes.”
Regarding Covid, the head of Gutiérrez said: “What we are seeing is that they are
rather mild symptoms
, especially the Ómicron sublineages, so one can wait up to 48 hours and if respiratory symptoms persist,
take a swab
.
It is always advisable to go to the doctor to establish a definitive diagnosis.”
Finally, López said that in the hospital where he works they installed “an office for children and adolescents, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Mansilla 3120, where
complete management
is done .
They are checked, blood is taken to diagnose dengue and also to see if the patient shows any warning signs.”
P.S.