Take a good note

Both DHF and chikungunya are caused by mosquito bites. The symptoms of the two can also appear similar, so it is often difficult to distinguish. Wait a minute! Do not underestimate this disease because misdiagnosis and treatment can endanger the sufferer. Therefore, you should understand well the differences in the symptoms of dengue and chikungunya below.

Overview of dengue fever and chikungunya

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is a disease carried by mosquitoes Aedes aegypti who carry the dengue virus. Meanwhile, chikungunya or more familiarly known as bone flu is a disease transmitted through mosquito bites Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus who carry the chikungunya virus.

The types of mosquitoes that carry the two viruses are indeed the same. So not infrequently, people can get dengue and chikungunya in one season. Mosquito Aedes aegypti widely available in tropical and subtropical countries, especially during and after the rainy season.

The difference in symptoms of DHF and chikungunya

DHF and chikungunya are both transmitted through mosquito bites. However, this does not mean that the two can be equated immediately.

Actually it is not difficult to distinguish the symptoms of DHF from chikung as long as you know the typical signs of these two diseases.

Here are the different symptoms of dengue fever and chikung that you should understand:

Different symptoms of fever

In DHF, fever usually forms a pattern. At first, the high fever will last all day, but a few days later it subsides as if the patient has fully recovered.

Meanwhile, fever due to chikungunya occurs without a distinctive pattern. This means that the fever can be high at any time and then decrease.

Different pain intensity in joints, muscles, and bones

In DHF, the patient feels joint, muscle, bone pain since the fever appears. This pain is still fairly normal when compared to pain in chikungunya.

The chikungunya virus will cause severe pain in muscles, bones, and even joints to swell. If not treated immediately, this pain can spread to the point of making the sufferer feel paralyzed and have difficulty moving the limbs.

Different redness of the skin

In DHF, the skin can usually be filled with red spots due to bleeding that will not fade or disappear when pressed. Meanwhile, the characteristic red spots of chikungunya will generally disappear when pressed.

Different bleeding in the body

DHF patients sometimes experience nosebleeds or bleeding gums. However, this condition does not occur in chikungunya sufferers.

Different phases of disease progression

In DHF, the stages of disease progression are divided into several phases. Starting with the febrile phase, then progressing to the critical phase for 24-38 hours, until the last phase of healing. Unlike the chikungunya which is not grouped into several phases.

Different loss of body fluids

Dengue that is already severe has the risk of causing the patient to lose body fluids in drastic amounts, causing shock which can be fatal. Chikung rarely causes shock.

Differences in the time the symptoms appear

Symptoms in DHF will usually appear for 3-7 days after the body is bitten by a mosquito. While in chikungunya, it generally appears after 4-7 days later.

In addition, both dengue fever and chikungunya also make sufferers feel nauseous and vomit several times a day.

Some of the other symptoms may not have been mentioned. If you feel anxious about the symptoms of dengue or chikungunya, or are difficult to distinguish between the two, consult your doctor immediately. A series of examinations and tests will be carried out by the doctor to find the disease from the symptoms you are experiencing.

How to treat dengue fever and chikungunya?

The key to treating both these diseases is getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids to prevent dehydration. You will also be advised to take fever-reducing drugs such as acetaminophen or paracetamol. Conversely, avoid aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium to prevent bleeding complications.

If the cases of dengue and chikung are more serious, further medical action is needed to deal with them. The doctor who determines the best treatment for your condition.