Although The worst days of the COVID-19 pandemic are over but new virus variants are still a concern. At the same time, dengue fever continues to spread during the rainy season. This year, both viruses are raising in the same time, so some people might catch both at the same time. This is called a co-infection, and it can be dangerous.
Double Trouble-
Dr. Saif Hossain Khan, a medical specialist at Popular Diagnostic Center in Dhaka, says that getting COVID-19 and dengue at the same time can lead to serious health problems. The body has to fight off two viruses at once, which puts extra stress on the immune system. In these cases, it’s best to admit the patient to a hospital so they can be monitored and treated carefully.
Signs and Symptoms-
When someone is infected with both viruses, they may have a very high fever, sometimes over 104°F (40°C) that lasts for days or even more than two weeks. Other common symptoms include:
- Headache and sore throat
- Muscle and joint pain
- Difficulty breathing and chest tightness
- Dry cough, nausea, and vomiting
- Weakness and extreme tiredness
- Loss of appetite and trouble sleeping
Since COVID-19 and dengue share many symptoms, testing is needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Reason of Co-Infection Is Riskier-
When a virus enters your body, your immune system fights back like a soldier. But it becomes a more serious conflict when both viruses attack together. The immune system gets overwhelmed, and this can lead to a drop in white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off infections.
Complications-
Co-infection can harm major organs like the lungs, liver, heart, kidneys, and even the brain. Serious problems may include:
- Bleeding
- Increasing fluid in lungs or abdomen
- Drop in blood pressure (called shock)
- Very fast heart rate
- Reduced urine output
These conditions can become life-threatening, which is why hospitalization is often necessary. Some patients may even need to be treated in an ICU.
Risky for-
People with the following conditions are more likely to have serious complications:
- Children (especially from dengue)
- Older adults
- Pregnant women
- People with obesity
- Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, or heart problems
Initiatives-
If you or someone in your family has symptoms of COVID-19 or dengue, don’t delay—see a doctor right away and get tested. Meanwhile:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Use a wet cloth to wipe the patient’s body to lower fever
- Paracetamol can be taken for pain and fever (avoid other painkillers)
- Consult with doctor If you are taking blood thinners such as aspirin
- Isolate COVID-19 patients in a separate room
- Always follow the doctor’s advice and wear a mask
Prevent Through Awareness-
COVID-19 prevention still includes mask-wearing, handwashing, and covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing. For dengue, avoid mosquito bites, don’t let water collect in plant pots, buckets, or anywhere mosquitoes can breed. Keep your home and surroundings clean.
Getting both COVID-19 and dengue at the same time can be serious. By staying alert and taking early action, we can protect ourselves and our communities from these dangerous viruses.ito bites, don’t let water collect in plant pots, buckets, or anywhere mosquitoes can breed. Keep your home and surroundings clean.
