Why Seasonal Fevers Are Becoming Harder to Diagnose, Says Doctor

Seasonal fevers are no longer following the familiar patterns that doctors once relied on for quick diagnosis. According to Dr. Brij Vallabh Sharma, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Narayana Hospital, Jaipur, many patients are now presenting with symptoms that overlap across several infections, making it increasingly difficult to identify the exact cause during the early stages of illness.

With the arrival of the monsoon season, hospitals are witnessing a rise in patients experiencing high fever, severe body aches, headaches, fatigue, weakness, and stomach discomfort. While these symptoms were once associated with specific diseases such as dengue or typhoid, doctors now say they can indicate a wide range of viral and bacterial infections.

Dr. Sharma explained that illnesses such as dengue, typhoid, influenza, COVID-19, scrub typhus, leptospirosis, and several viral infections often begin with nearly identical symptoms. During the first 48 to 72 hours, distinguishing one disease from another based on symptoms alone can be extremely challenging. For example, dengue may develop before platelet counts begin to fall, while typhoid may not initially show its typical digestive symptoms.

He also emphasized that blood tests do not always provide an immediate diagnosis. Many laboratory tests are most accurate only after the infection has progressed to a certain stage. A test performed too early may produce a negative result even when an infection is present. This is why doctors often recommend repeating blood tests after 24 to 48 hours and monitoring changes in blood parameters over time to reach a more reliable diagnosis.

The severity of an infection can also vary greatly from one person to another. Factors such as age, immune response, vaccination history, diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, nutritional status, and genetics all influence how the body reacts to an illness. As a result, two people infected with the same virus may experience completely different symptoms and recovery times.

Dr. Sharma also warned against self-medication, particularly the unnecessary use of antibiotics. Since many seasonal fevers are caused by viruses during their early stages, antibiotics offer no benefit. Taking medications without medical advice can mask symptoms, interfere with diagnostic tests, and contribute to antibiotic resistance, making treatment more difficult.

Doctors advise anyone with a persistent or worsening fever to seek medical evaluation instead of relying on self-treatment. Early consultation, careful monitoring, and appropriate testing remain the most effective approach to identifying the cause of seasonal fevers and ensuring timely treatment.