Identifying Fever Causes: Dengue and COVID-19
Discover how to identify the causes of fever, focusing on symptoms of dengue and COVID-19. Learn key differences, diagnosis methods, and when to seek medical attention.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. Vasanthasree Nair MBBS
Last updated on 4th Sep, 2025
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Fever is a common symptom that can be caused by various infections, including dengue and COVID-19. While both illnesses can lead to high fever, they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the differences can help you take the right steps for recovery and prevent complications.
What is Dengue Fever?
Dengue is a viral infection spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. It is common in tropical and subtropical regions, especially during the monsoon season.
Symptoms of Dengue Fever
- High fever (104°F or higher)
- Severe headache
- Pain behind the eyes
- Muscle and joint pain (often called "breakbone fever")
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash (appears 2-5 days after fever starts)
- Mild bleeding (nosebleeds, gum bleeding, or easy bruising)
In severe cases, dengue can lead to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) or dengue shock syndrome (DSS), which require immediate medical attention.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Symptoms of COVID-19
- Fever or chills
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or diarrhoea (less common)
Severe cases can lead to pneumonia, respiratory failure, or blood clotting issues, especially in older adults and those with underlying health conditions.
Consult Top Specialists
Key Differences Between Dengue and COVID-19
When to See a Doctor?
Seek immediate medical help if you experience:
- Persistent high fever (above 103°F for more than 2 days)
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Severe weakness or dizziness
- Unusual bleeding (nosebleeds, black stools, blood in vomit)
- Confusion or extreme fatigue
How to Manage Fever at Home?
Here’s how to manage fever at home:
For Dengue:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids (water, coconut water, ORS).
- Rest: Avoid physical strain.
- Pain relief: Use paracetamol (acetaminophen) for fever and pain. Avoid aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can increase bleeding risk.
- Monitor platelet count: Severe dengue may require hospitalisation.
For COVID-19:
- Isolate yourself to prevent spreading the virus.
- Take paracetamol for fever and body aches.
- Use a humidifier or steam to ease breathing.
- Check oxygen levels with a pulse oximeter (if below 94%, seek help).
- Eat nutritious food (soups, fruits, proteins) to boost immunity.
Prevention Tips
Preventing Dengue:
- Use mosquito repellents (DEET, picaridin).
- Wear full-sleeved clothes to avoid mosquito bites.
- Keep surroundings clean: Remove stagnant water where mosquitoes breed.
- Use mosquito nets while sleeping.
Preventing COVID-19:
- Get vaccinated (booster doses if recommended).
- Wear masks in crowded places.
- Wash hands frequently with soap or sanitiser.
- Maintain social distancing (especially if cases are rising).
When to Get Tested?
If you have fever with:
- Severe body pain + rash: Get a dengue NS1 antigen test or dengue antibody test.
- Cough + breathing difficulty: Get a COVID-19 RT-PCR or rapid antigen test.
You can book a lab test or doctor consultation on Apollo 24|7 for quick and accurate diagnosis.
Conclusion
Both dengue and COVID-19 can cause fever, but their symptoms and treatments differ. Early detection and proper care can prevent complications. Stay alert, follow preventive measures, and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Swathi Reddy Perugu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Hyderabad
Health plus, Hyderabad
Dr. Chethan T L
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD, DNB (General Medicine)
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Promise Jain
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
20 Years • MBBS, DNB Medicine, TDD, MNAMS, PGCDM, CCEBDM, CCMTD,PGDE Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine Head- Department of critical care Apollo Sage Hospital, Bhopal, MP Intensivist, Diabetes, Thyroid , Physician
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
Dr. Haripriya Jagadeesh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
24 Years • MBBS, AB (Family Physician)
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
Dr. Shakti
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS, DNB, PGDHIVM, MRCP (UK)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(250+ Patients)
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. Swathi Reddy Perugu
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)
Hyderabad
Health plus, Hyderabad
Dr. Chethan T L
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD, DNB (General Medicine)
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Promise Jain
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
20 Years • MBBS, DNB Medicine, TDD, MNAMS, PGCDM, CCEBDM, CCMTD,PGDE Senior Consultant- Internal Medicine Head- Department of critical care Apollo Sage Hospital, Bhopal, MP Intensivist, Diabetes, Thyroid , Physician
Bhopal
Apollo Sage Hospitals, Bhopal
Dr. Haripriya Jagadeesh
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
24 Years • MBBS, AB (Family Physician)
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
Dr. Shakti
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS, DNB, PGDHIVM, MRCP (UK)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(250+ Patients)
