Monsoon Fever in Hyderabad: Is It Viral Fever, Dengue or Typhoid?* *Fever, body pains and tiredness during the monsoon? Is it just a common viral fever—or could it be dengue or typhoid?*

As the monsoon arrives, changes in weather, water accumulation and increased mosquito activity can contribute to the spread of several infections. In Hyderabad, people may experience fever, body aches, headache, weakness and stomach-related symptoms during this season.

The challenge is that viral fever, dengue and typhoid can have some similar symptoms, especially in the beginning. This can make it difficult to know the cause simply by looking at the symptoms.

*Dr Akurathi Markandeyulu*
MBBS, DNB- Internal Medicine
Consultant General Physician and Diabetologist
Sri Sri Holistic Hospitals, Kondapur.

While many fevers settle with proper care, some infections can become serious if they are not identified and treated appropriately.
*Dr. Akurathi Markandeyulu, MBBS, DNB – Internal Medicine, Consulting Physician & Diabetologist, Sri Sri Holistic Hospital, Kondapur* , explains how monsoon-related fevers can differ, what warning signs to watch for, and when you should consult a doctor.

*Why Do Fevers Increase During Monsoon?*
Monsoon brings changes in temperature, humidity and water conditions.
Stagnant water can provide breeding places for mosquitoes, while contaminated food or water can increase the risk of certain infections.
During this season, people may develop illnesses such as:
• Viral fever
• Dengue
• Typhoid
• Malaria
• Other infections
However, not every fever during monsoon is dengue or typhoid.
The cause needs to be assessed based on the person’s symptoms, medical history and, when necessary, appropriate tests.

*Viral Fever: What Does It Usually Look Like?*
Viral infections can cause a range of symptoms.
Common symptoms may include:
• Fever
• Body aches
• Headache
• Tiredness
• Sore throat or cough in some infections
• Runny nose in some cases
• Reduced appetite
Many viral fevers improve with supportive care and adequate rest and fluids.
However, if the fever is persistent, worsening or associated with unusual symptoms, it is important to consult a doctor rather than assuming it is a routine viral infection.

*Dengue: What Should You Watch For?*
Dengue is spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, which can be active during the daytime.
*Common symptoms may include:*
• Sudden high fever
• Severe headache
• Body and muscle pain
• Joint pain
• Pain behind the eyes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Skin rash
• Weakness or tiredness
One important point about dengue is that a person may feel better when the fever starts coming down, but this does not always mean the illness is over.
Warning signs can develop around this stage.

*Seek urgent medical attention if there is:*
• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Repeated vomiting
• Bleeding from the nose or gums
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Extreme weakness or unusual sleepiness
• Difficulty breathing
• Cold or clammy hands and feet
• Very little urine or signs of dehydration

*Typhoid: How Is It Different?*
Typhoid is a bacterial infection that can spread through contaminated food and water.
Symptoms can include:
• Persistent fever
• Headache
• Weakness
• Abdominal discomfort
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Changes in bowel habits
Typhoid can require specific medical treatment, so it is important not to assume that every prolonged fever is simply viral.
A doctor may recommend appropriate testing based on the symptoms and clinical situation.

*Dengue, Viral Fever or Typhoid: Can You Tell by Symptoms Alone?*
Not always.
There can be considerable overlap between the symptoms of different infections.
For example, fever and body pain can occur with both viral infections and dengue. Fever, weakness and loss of appetite can also occur with typhoid.
This is why self-diagnosing based only on symptoms can be misleading.
*A doctor may consider:*
• How long the fever has lasted
• The pattern of fever
• Other symptoms
• Recent travel or exposure
• Mosquito exposure
• Food and water exposure
• Existing health conditions
Based on the assessment, appropriate blood or other tests may be recommended.

*When Should You See a Doctor?*
Don’t wait too long if the fever is persistent or the symptoms are getting worse.
*Consult a doctor if you have:*
• Fever that continues or keeps returning
• Severe body pain or weakness
• Persistent vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Skin rash
• Bleeding
• Breathing difficulty
• Very little urine
• Signs of dehydration
• Unusual sleepiness or confusion
Children, older adults and people with conditions such as diabetes may require particular attention during an infection.

*Should You Take Antibiotics for Every Fever?*
No.
Antibiotics work against certain bacterial infections; they do not treat viral infections.
Taking antibiotics without medical advice may be unnecessary and can contribute to antibiotic resistance.
Similarly, avoid taking medicines on your own simply because they were prescribed for a previous fever.
The right medicine depends on the cause of the illness.
What Can You Do During Monsoon to Prevent Infections?
A few simple precautions can reduce the risk of several monsoon-related illnesses.
*Prevent Mosquito Bites*
• Use mosquito nets or screens.
• Wear clothing that covers the arms and legs where practical.
• Use appropriate mosquito protection.
• Remove stagnant water around the home.
• Keep water storage containers covered.

*Be Careful With Food and Water*
• Drink safe, clean water.
• Wash your hands regularly.
• Wash fruits and vegetables properly.
• Avoid food from unhygienic sources.
• Make sure food is properly cooked and stored.

*Don’t Ignore Persistent Fever*
If a fever does not improve or new symptoms develop, consult a doctor instead of repeatedly treating yourself at home.
Meet *Dr. Akurathi Markandeyulu*
Dr. Akurathi Markandeyulu, MBBS, DNB – Internal Medicine, is a Consulting Physician and Diabetologist at Sri Sri Holistic Hospital, Kondapur, Hyderabad.
He has 7+ years of experience and provides care for a range of medical conditions, with particular expertise in:
• Diabetes and its complications
• Hypertension
• Thyroid disorders
• Infectious diseases
• Dengue
• Malaria
• Typhoid
• HIV
• Anemia
• Thrombocytopenia
His approach includes careful assessment, monitoring and personalised management, particularly for patients with complex medical conditions and diabetes-related concerns.
*The Takeaway for Hyderabad During Monsoon*
Not every monsoon fever is dengue—and not every fever is just viral.
Viral fever, dengue and typhoid can have similar symptoms, especially during the early stages. Trying to identify the infection on your own can sometimes delay the right care.
Pay attention to how long the fever lasts and whether symptoms such as persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, bleeding, severe weakness, dehydration or breathing difficulty develop.

*When in doubt, get medically evaluated rather than self-medicating.*
Early assessment can help identify the cause of fever and ensure appropriate treatment.
Consult *Dr. Akurathi Markandeyulu, Consulting Physician & Diabetologist, Sri Sri Holistic Hospital, Kondapur* , for evaluation and personalised care during persistent or unexplained fever.