The end of the monsoon is the busiest time of year for fever in Gujarat. Stagnant water helps mosquitoes breed, and contaminated food and water spread infections more easily. Most fevers are viral and settle within a few days, but dengue and typhoid can look very similar in the first days, so it is important to know when a fever needs a doctor's assessment.

Viral fever usually comes with body ache, sore throat, cold or cough and improves within three to five days. Dengue often starts suddenly with high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain and sometimes a rash. Typhoid fever tends to rise gradually over several days and may come with stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation or loose motions and weakness.

Because the symptoms overlap, the doctor may advise blood tests such as a complete blood count, dengue tests or typhoid tests depending on the number of days of fever and your symptoms. Avoid taking painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin on your own when dengue is possible, as they can increase the risk of bleeding. Take only the medicines your doctor advises, and do not start antibiotics without a prescription.

Seek medical care promptly if fever lasts more than two to three days, or if there is severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the gums or nose, black stools, unusual drowsiness or restlessness, breathlessness, or very little urine. Drink plenty of fluids, rest well and follow up as advised. At InfoCare, the Medicine and Pediatric departments treat all types of fever for adults and children.