Worried about monsoon illness? Dr RR Dutta shares what to do and what to avoid in the first 3 days

Why the first three days matter

Dengue, malaria, typhoid and leptospirosis all begin the same way: fever, body ache, headache, fatigue. Dr Dutta noted that this is precisely what makes the early phase dangerous to ignore.

What to do within 72 hours

According to Dr Dutta, the following steps should be followed within the first 72 hours of consistently feeling under the weather in the monsoon.

1. Do not ignore a fever lasting beyond 24 hours. A complete blood count (CBC), dengue NS1 antigen test, and a malaria smear or rapid diagnostic test form the basic evaluation for monsoon-related fevers.
2. Stay well hydrated. Sip oral rehydration solution (ORS), coconut water, or plain water frequently throughout the day. Avoid sugary or caffeinated beverages, which can contribute to dehydration.
3. Take your temperature regularly. Make a record of your temperature periodically rather than relying on your sense of “how a fever feels.” Keeping a record of your temperature will help your physician assess the course of the illness.
4. Prioritising rest is essential within the initial 72 hours. Do not perform any work in the office, engage in any strenuous exercise, or undertake any journey. Exerting yourself during the crucial time frame for diseases like dengue can lead to complications.
5. Seek medical attention immediately if you are at higher risk. People with diabetes, chronic kidney disease, weakened immunity, or those who are pregnant should consult a doctor on the very first day of fever, as they can deteriorate more rapidly and may develop severe illness with fewer warning signs.

What should be avoided

The physician advised avoiding the following things during the same period.

1. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen for fever management. If the illness turns out to be dengue, these medicines can increase the risk of bleeding, one of the disease’s most serious complications.
2. Do not take antibiotics without a confirmed bacterial diagnosis. Viral infections such as dengue and most seasonal viral fevers do not respond to antibiotics. Unnecessary use can also mask symptoms and delay accurate diagnosis, particularly in suspected typhoid.
3. Avoid mixing multiple over-the-counter medications. Taking different fever or cold remedies without medical advice can make it harder for doctors to identify the underlying illness and may increase the risk of adverse effects.
4. Avoid the consumption of street food and cut fruits during the rainy season, which pose greater chances of contamination of food and water sources, leading to infections like typhoid, hepatitis A, and gastroenteritis.
5. Don’t go on assuming you are safe just because the fever subsides. In dengue, commonly, the critical phase starts after the fever comes down, so you still need close observation and medical check-ins, even when the person seems more or less better.

Symptoms that need immediate medical attention

Certain warning signs require immediate medical attention, regardless of how many days the fever has lasted. These include:

• Bleeding from the gums or nose
• Persistent vomiting
• Severe abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Extreme drowsiness or confusion
• Noticeable reduction in urine output

“These symptoms should never be observed at home overnight in the hope that they will improve. In dengue, the most critical period often begins after the fever subsides, not while it is at its peak. This is when complications such as plasma leakage and shock are most likely to occur, making close medical monitoring essential even if the patient appears to be recovering,” shared Dr Dutta.