Fever during the monsoon is often dismissed as a seasonal viral infection. But persistent fever accompanied by severe body ache, rash, chills, vomiting, breathing difficulty or unusual bleeding can point to illnesses such as dengue, malaria, typhoid, leptospirosis or influenza, making timely medical assessment crucial.
With rainwater collecting in drains, construction sites, coolers, flowerpots and uncovered containers, mosquito breeding rises sharply during the wet season. At the same time, contaminated water and food may increase the risk of stomach and water-borne infections. Doctors advise people not to self-medicate for prolonged fever and to seek professional advice when symptoms become severe or do not improve.
Not all monsoon fevers are alike
A short-lived fever with runny nose, throat irritation, cough, mild headache and body ache may be caused by a common viral respiratory infection. Such illnesses often improve with rest, fluids and doctor-advised symptom relief.
However, a sudden high fever with intense headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle or joint pain, nausea, vomiting, rash and extreme fatigue may be associated with dengue. The World Health Organisation says dengue symptoms generally appear four to 10 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.
Malaria may cause fever with chills, sweating, headache, tiredness, nausea and body aches. Fever patterns vary, and it cannot be reliably diagnosed on symptoms alone; blood testing is needed. Typhoid may present with prolonged fever, weakness, headache, stomach discomfort, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea. Leptospirosis can occur after contact with floodwater or soil contaminated by animal urine and may resemble other febrile illnesses in the early stages.
Symptoms to watch closelyPeople should consult a doctor if fever is high, lasts beyond two or three days, keeps returning, or is accompanied by worsening symptoms. Children, older adults, pregnant people and those with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or weakened immunity should seek advice earlier.
Urgent medical attention is needed if any of these warning signs appear:
• Severe abdominal pain or tenderness
• Persistent vomiting
• Rapid or difficult breathing
• Bleeding from the gums or nose
• Blood in vomit, urine or stool; black, tar-like stools
• Extreme drowsiness, restlessness, confusion or fainting
• Markedly reduced urine output
• Pale, cold or clammy skin, severe weakness or intense thirst
In dengue, serious warning signs can emerge as the fever begins to settle, rather than only at the peak of fever. This is why a fall in temperature should not automatically be treated as a sign of recovery if the patient develops abdominal pain, vomiting, bleeding, lethargy or breathing problems.
What to do at homeFor a mild fever, the priority is hydration and observation. Rest, drink safe fluids regularly and eat light, nourishing meals as tolerated. Water, oral rehydration solution, soups and other safe fluids can help prevent dehydration, particularly if there is sweating, vomiting or loose motions.
Paracetamol may be used for fever or pain only according to a clinician’s or label’s advice. If dengue is suspected, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medicines unless a doctor specifically prescribes them, because they may increase the risk of bleeding.
Do not start antibiotics, antimalarial medicines, steroids or platelet-related treatments on your own. Dengue has no specific antiviral medicine, and platelet counts alone do not determine the need for treatment; doctors assess the patient’s symptoms, hydration, bleeding, blood pressure, urine output and laboratory results together.
Testing and treatment
A doctor may recommend tests based on the duration and pattern of fever, local disease activity and symptoms. These may include a complete blood count, dengue antigen or antibody test, malaria test, tests for typhoid or leptospirosis, and liver or kidney-function tests when necessary.
Treatment depends on the cause:
• Viral fever: Rest, hydration, fever control, and monitoring are usually sufficient in uncomplicated cases.
• Dengue: There is no specific antiviral treatment. Care focuses on medical monitoring, sufficient fluids and prompt management of warning signs.
• Malaria: Requires confirmed diagnosis and prescribed antimalarial medication; prompt treatment is important to avoid complications.
• Typhoid and bacterial illnesses: May require antibiotics prescribed after medical assessment.
• Severe illness: Patients may need hospital observation, intravenous fluids, oxygen support or treatment for complications.
Prevention remains essential
The most effective defence is to prevent mosquito breeding and bites. Empty, scrub and dry water containers at least once a week; keep tanks and buckets covered; clear stagnant water from coolers, tyres, trays and plant pots; and ensure drains are not clogged. Use mosquito nets, full-sleeved clothing, window screens and mosquito repellents, especially around dawn and dusk.
During heavy rain and waterlogging, avoid wading through floodwater where possible. Drink boiled, filtered or otherwise safe water, eat freshly prepared food, and maintain hand hygiene. Anyone with fever should avoid mosquito bites as well, since this can reduce the chance of further transmission in mosquito-borne illnesses.
(This feature is for public awareness and does not replace medical consultation. Seek urgent care for severe symptoms or if a child, elderly person, pregnant person or someone)