When Symptoms Look Alike: How To Tell Dengue, Malaria, And Flu Apart

The challenge lies in the fact that malaria, dengue, and flu can initially present similar symptoms. However, each illness requires a distinct treatment plan.

With the rains come relief from summer heat, but also a surge in seasonal illnesses. Walk into any clinic at this time of year and you’ll hear familiar complaints: fever, fatigue, body aches, shivering. At first glance, they all sound the same. But beneath these overlapping symptoms may lie very different conditions, from dengue and malaria to seasonal flu or even hepatitis. And that’s where the confusion begins.

Guessing And Self-Diagnosing Can Be Dangerous

“Many patients arrive with high temperature, body aches, and weakness. The tricky part is that malaria, dengue, and flu can all look alike in the beginning," says Dr. Preeti Kabra. “Each requires a different treatment plan, and getting it wrong can delay recovery or make things worse," she adds.

Self-medication is often the first step people take. But experts warn against it. Dr. Maheshkumar Lakhe, notes: “A few tablets of paracetamol or a home remedy may bring temporary comfort, but they do little to address the root cause. By the time proper tests are done, the illness may already have progressed."

The Role of Diagnostics

Laboratory tests take away the guesswork. A simple blood count can reveal a drop in platelets, pointing toward dengue, while a peripheral smear identifies malaria parasites in red blood cells. “Without tests such as the NS1 antigen for dengue or a smear for malaria, it’s very easy to give the wrong treatment," adds Dr. Kabra.

Similarly, in jaundice cases, liver function tests and viral markers help distinguish between hepatitis A and E, guiding the right prognosis and care.

Diagnostics also matter beyond the individual. “Early detection helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Identifying cases quickly allows outbreak control and supports public health strategies," says Dr. Kabra.

Prevention Still Matters

 “For mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue, avoiding stagnant water, using repellents, and keeping windows shut after dusk make a big difference," advises Dr. Lakhe. For flu, hand hygiene and cough etiquette are vital. Hepatitis A and E, on the other hand, are tied to food and water, making boiled water and clean kitchens essential.

Not every fever is ‘just viral.’ And not every yellow eye means the same type of jaundice. “The body may show similar signs for very different conditions, and only proper medical evaluation can tell them apart," stresses Dr. Lakhe. This monsoon, doctors urge: don’t guess, don’t self-medicate: get tested, get treated, and recover safely.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Two Warriors Leading Sickle Cell Awareness in India

 Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) can generally be perceived as a distant health issue, discussed mostly through statistics or policies. But behind every number is a human story - of disrupted childhoods, overwhelmed families, and daily fights that go unnoticed. At the 2025 National Sickle Cell Summit, two young individuals, Lalit Kishor Pargi from Rajasthan and Swati Panika from Madhya Pradesh, offered something far stronger than data - their lived experience. Their accounts represent change, not just survival. In sharing their stories, they are helping to transform the way Sickle Cell and other similar inherited disorders are viewed in India.

 

Lalit Kishor Pargi: From Late Diagnosis to Leading the Way

Diagnosis and Early Life

Lalit Kishor Pargi first heard the term Sickle Cell Disease when he was sixteen years old. Until then, his life had been marked by uncertainty and pain. “The first 16 years were very painful,” he said during the National Sickle Cell Summit. He experienced repeated illness, fever, jaundice, anaemia, and persistent fatigue, but the cause remained unknown for years.

When the diagnosis finally came, it didn’t bring immediate clarity, only more questions. He shared that they didn’t even know how to manage it at that point. For him and his family, the emotional and physical toll of SCD was constant, and coping meant holding each other up through fear, hospital visits, and exhaustion. “My parents learned everything they could, and my siblings became my quiet cheerleaders,” he shared.

Turning Point and Advocacy

Everything changed for Lalit in 2021. After being diagnosed with COVID-19, he was admitted to the ICU multiple times, with dangerously low oxygen levels and serious complications. He recalls lying in a hospital bed after being on a ventilator, thinking not just about his survival but about the families who might never be able to afford such care. “I come from a tribal community, and I know the conditions our people live in,” he said. “If they had a child like me, how would they save him?”

That reflection led him to action. From his hospital bed, he made a decision: to work for sickle cell patients who didn’t have access or awareness. He began researching and found NASCO’s Udaan series on YouTube. Inspired, he reached out to Gautam Dongre, General Secretary of NASCO, and from there, found a like-minded community.

Recognising the lack of awareness in his home state of Rajasthan, Lalit launched the Sickle Cell Saksham Rajasthan Foundation, a patient-parent initiative focused on education, diagnosis, and support. He began creating awareness with guidance from NASCO and started actively identifying patients, driven by the clear gap in public knowledge about sickle cell in the region.

Impact and Vision Ahead

During an early awareness drive, Lalit distributed pamphlets outlining SCD symptoms. One newly married woman recognised her own experience in the descriptions and was later diagnosed with the condition. Moments like these reaffirm his mission, even as deep-rooted challenges persist, from social stigma to inadequate diagnosis and care, particularly in rural and tribal areas.

Lalit envisions a future with universal early screening, reliable treatment, and emotional support for every warrior and their families. He’s especially focused on counselling to combat the misinformation and silence surrounding the disease. “I’ve lived through countless crises, but I didn’t give up. I fought through it all and became a warrior,” he says. “Now, I want to be a voice for others, so they don’t have to suffer in silence like I once did.”

Swati Panika: Choosing to Be a Warrior

Diagnosis and Early Struggles

Swati Panika was nine years old when she was diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Before that, her life was a blur of unexplained symptoms — jaundice, pain crises, and repeated hospital visits. “I didn’t understand what sickle cell disease meant. I just kept wondering, ‘Why me?’ Why was I always sick, and why did I have to endure so much pain?”

Her family was deeply concerned but didn’t fully understand how to manage her condition. In the early years after diagnosis, they followed whatever treatment was prescribed, often without clear guidance. It wasn’t until Swati turned 18 and was introduced to hydroxyurea that things began to improve. She attributes her better health since then in part to the government’s support in providing access to this essential medication.

Even with treatment, the impact of the disease bled into daily life. Attending school regularly was a challenge. “Attendance was always a burden, and even carrying a heavy school bag felt impossible during crises. Many teachers didn’t understand, and if I couldn’t meet attendance requirements, I wasn’t allowed to sit for exams.”

Mental Health, Stigma, and Advocacy

Living with a chronic illness took a toll on Swati, not just physically, but emotionally. The repeated hospitalisations, missed school, and the feeling of being dependent on others weighed heavily on her. During a particularly difficult pain crisis just before an exam, she hit an emotional low. “I felt completely broken,” she says. “But I realised there were so many like me who needed emotional support.”

That moment became a turning point. Swati decided to speak up. She launched her Instagram page, @girl.with.sicklecell, followed by a YouTube channel, and began sharing her story publicly. This eventually led her to connect with NASCO, where she found a wider community and platform to advocate for others living with SCD.

Today, she works to raise awareness around how SCD is perceived in educational and professional settings. From pushing for structured awareness programmes in schools and offices to calling for mental health support, Swati believes understanding and early intervention can shift lives. She also highlights the need for dedicated counselling at the time of diagnosis, especially for young patients and their families.

Looking Ahead: Equity, Not Sympathy

Despite improved access to medication through the Sickle Cell Elimination Mission, Swati says critical gaps remain — from unavailable blood and platelets to difficulty getting hospital beds. She now advocates for job reservations, flexible sick leave, and dedicated sickle cell centres in high-prevalence districts. “Sometimes, warriors don’t even know that medicines or genetic counselling exist, or they aren’t available. With your support, it can get better.”

Swati has also confronted the stigma around marriage, having seen many warriors face harsh judgments. She believes that education, openness, and family support can shift these attitudes. At the heart of her resilience is her mother, a single parent who stood by her through every crisis. “She was protective about my health. She even hesitated to let me study out of town, fearing how I’d manage a pain crisis alone.” That foundation of love and care is what fuels Swati’s message today. “I refuse to be a victim. Instead, I choose to be a warrior.”

Shared Realities and Systemic Gaps

Though Lalit and Swati come from different regions, their journeys reflect similar challenges — late diagnosis, prolonged uncertainty, and a fight for stability. Both found strength in community and now advocate for structured counselling, flexible education, job policies, and routine premarital genetic screening. Above all, they urge society to stop viewing Sickle Cell Disease as taboo. Their work on the ground shows that true progress lies in listening, not just in policy rooms, but in homes, schools, and workplaces.

Listening to Warriors, Not Just Data

India’s mission to eliminate SCD by 2047 will depend on more than screenings and policies. It will require listening—truly listening—to those who’ve lived the reality. Lalit and Swati are showing what’s possible when survivors are given a voice, a platform, and a little support.

Their stories don’t just raise awareness. They reshape the narrative. From confusion to clarity, from silence to advocacy—they are turning pain into purpose. And in doing so, they’re helping others walk a little more confidently in their journey with SCD.

 

 

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Fatty liver: Symptoms and warning signs seen during the night

Fatty liver disease, particularly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver  ..

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Fatty liver disease, particularly Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), is a growing health concern, affecting an estimated 30.2 % of the world’s population. Prevalence varies by region, with rates above 40 % in the Americas and Southeast Asia.

What is Non-Alcoholic Fatty Disease (NAFLD) ?

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver, not caused nu heavy alcohol consumption. It’s often linked to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. NAFLD encompasses a spectrum of conditions, from simple fat buildup (NAFL) t more serious inflammation and scarring (NASH).

Often termed the “ silent epidemic”, NAFLD can progress to more severe conditions like cirrhosis soon, if left unchecked. While many symptoms manifest during the day, certain warning signs become more pronounced at night.

Recognising these nocturnal symptoms is crucial for early detection and management.

Sleep disturbances and insomnia

Individuals with fatty liver disease often report difficulty falling or staying asleep. The discomfort from liver inflammation or the body’s struggle to process toxins can lead to restless nights. Moreover, the liver’s ability to store and release glycogen can cause blood sugar imbalances, further disrupting sleep patterns.

Signs that all is not well with your liver

Abdominal discomfort intensifying at night

A common symptom of fatty liver disease is discomfort in the upper right abdomen. This sensation can worsen at night, making it hard to get a good night’s sleep. People may feel a sense of fullness or pressure, which can be quite concerning.

Loss of appetite during evening meals

Though not typically a symptom seen during night time, a decrease in appetite, particularly at night may signify fatty liver disease. Individuals may find they have less interest in food, especially during dinner, which could eventually lead to weight loss and nutritional problems.

Other symptoms of fatty liver that ou must be careful:

Increased brain fog and mental fatigue

As fatty liver disease progresses, the accumulation of toxins in the bloodstream can affect brain function. This may lead to symptoms like confusion, poor memory, or trouble focusing on any task, commonly referred to as “brain fog”.

Persistent fatigue and weakness

Fatigue is a hallmark of fatty liver disease. However, when the liver’s detoxification processes are compromised, individuals may experience overwhelming tiredness during the night. This isn’t just typical tiredness; it’s an overpowering fatigue that can interfere with daily life.

Swelling in the legs and feet

While swelling can occur at any time, it ay become more noticeable at night. Fluid retention due to liver dysfunction can lead to swelling in the legs and feet, causing discomfort and affecting sleep quality.

Itchy skin

Fatty liver disease can cause itchy skin, especially if liver damage affects bile flow. When bile salts build up under the skin, it can cause irritation and itching, even if there is no visible rash.

Unexplained weight loss

Unexplained weight loss can be an early indicator of fatty liver disease. The liver’s involvement in various metabolic processes, including the regulation of body weight can be disrupted, leading to unintended weight loss.

Yellowing of the skin or eyes (Jaundice)

In more advanced stages of fatty liver disease, jaundice can develop. This condition causes the skin and the whites of the eyes to turn yellow due to elevated levels of bilirubin, a waste product from red blood cells. Jaundice is a serious sign and should be checked by a doctor immediately.

While adopting a healthy lifestyle- which consists of a balanced diet, regular exercise, checking alcohol consumption and smoking, and having adequate sleep- can significantly elevated liver health, if you experienced any of the above symptoms, especially during the night, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional/ early detection through blood tests and imaging can help manage and potentially reverse the effects of fatty liver diseases. Consult a doctor if you se such symptoms. It is important that you ensure a healthy well-being of your liver as it becomes one of the most vital organs of survival as the age increases, but also loses immunity without proper care.

 

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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