by Daphne Clarence: There has been an increase in viral flu infections since the beginning of the year and it has been challenging to differentiate between fever and body aches caused by COVID-19, H3N2 or malaria.
With the frequent emergence of deadly infections claiming many lives, understanding between COVID-19, H3N2 Influenza and Malaria can be challenging due to their overlapping symptoms.
After the arrival of monsoon, there will be an increase in malaria, a mosquito-borne disease. With nearly 88 percent of all malaria cases in the South-East Asia region in 2019, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) report, it has been a matter of concern for public health officials in the country.
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“Despite the different modes of infection, the primary symptoms of these diseases are the same, starting with fever and body aches. However, closely monitoring the distinct symptoms with slight differences differentiate Covid-19 and H3N2 influenza from malaria. It can be beneficial to do so,” said Dr. Vijay Kumar Gurjar, Senior Consultant and Head, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Primus Super Specialty Hospital, New Delhi.
transmission mode
Malaria is different from COVID-19 and H3N2 influenza in that it does not spread from person to person. This is because the Plasmodium parasite that causes malaria is transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. In contrast, the SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for COVID-19 is spread through respiratory droplets, while the H3N2 influenza virus can be spread through both respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces.
Symptom
Apart from some similar symptoms like fever, headache and body aches, there are also many symptoms which are quite different in case of all three.
With malaria, major symptoms include chills, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, and can be severe and debilitating if left untreated, resulting in complications such as anemia, kidney failure, and cerebral malaria. which can be life threatening.
Fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat and runny nose are the primary symptoms in case of COVID-19 and H3N2 influenza. However, additional symptoms such as loss of taste or smell and shortness of breath are also seen in COVID-19.
emergence
The length of the incubation period plays an important role in differentiating between these diseases. Symptoms of COVID-19 typically appear between 2 and 14 days after exposure, with an average incubation time of 5–6 days. The H3N2 flu virus has an incubation period of 1–4 days, while the incubation period for malaria can range from 7 days to several months.
treatment methods
Treatment modalities for COVID-19, Malaria and H3N2 Influenza differ greatly due to the different causes of these diseases. Malaria is usually treated with anti-malarial drugs, along with effective measures to prevent the spread of mosquitoes.
COVID-19 requires a multipronged approach including medication, supportive care and vaccination. On the other hand, H3N2 influenza is managed using antiviral agents along with symptomatic treatment to reduce fever, cough, and sore throat.
tests that determine infection
Specific diagnostic tests are available to determine the type of infection responsible for the similar symptoms from the three different diseases.
“The most commonly used method for the detection of malaria is microscopic examination of blood smears, which is based on the detection of malarial parasites in red blood cells. Alternatively, rapid diagnostic tests that detect malaria antigen, are widely used because of their ease of use and rapid turnaround time,” said Dr. Vijay Kumar Gurjar.
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H3N2 is usually diagnosed using antigen tests that detect viral antigens in respiratory secretions, while PCR-based tests can provide more accurate results. In contrast, the diagnosis of Covid-19 relies heavily on PCR-based tests that detect viral RNA in respiratory secretions.
Most importantly, the moment these symptoms persist for a certain period of time, it is necessary to consult a doctor.