Severe signs of viral illness and flu you should not ignore

Flu and viral cases are constantly on the rise in the current COVID times, along with a sharp rise in dengue and malaria cases, which is making many worry if there could be fears of a possible twindemic.

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While there has been a lot of stress and awareness created on the need for flu vaccination, getting flu is considered a much-less fearful case than getting COVID-19 would be. However, that doesn't imply that flu cases aren't severe in nature. Just like COVID-19, a simple case of the flu can get worse for some, cause troubling symptoms or even require hospitalization. Reports suggest that a delayed diagnosis, and severity of symptoms seen in some cases have actually led to hospitalization in many flu cases we are seeing right now. Thus, not only is it important to get tested, differentiate between COVID-19 and flu symptoms, but also watch over the progression of symptoms, especially if you are at risk

Granted that COVID-19, flu and the dengue have a lot of overlapping symptoms, it can get confusing to differentiate between symptoms, and in the time of COVID-19, it is often hard to know what symptoms point to. While testing remains one way to tell symptoms apart, experts do detail that there is a major difference in the way symptoms come up- from the onset to the timeline.

ALSO READ: Early signs to differentiate between a COVID infection and the flu

While COVID-19 symptoms come up in a mild or gradual manner (becoming worse later), or are different for everyone, flu symptoms come up abruptly, and at once together.

Viral illnesses tend to cause severe symptoms when the immune system isn't well-equipped to fight off pathogens and viruses naturally, which can happen to those who are 65 and older, or have limitations which compromise their immune functioning. Over an age, immune strength starts to wane and weaken down, which can make infection cases severe and complication risk double up. Suffering from pre-existing, chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune conditions or high blood pressure, cholesterol levels (which are also more common in older ages) can also add to the risk threshold.

Studies conducted over the years have also found that older adults, particularly men are less likely to report or notice symptoms pertaining to the flu, and hence, increase their risk of severity.

In particular,here are some flu and serious viral illness symptoms which need to be monitored well:

A fever is a sign that the body's actively fighting inflammation. While it's possible to experience a low or moderate grade fever with viral infections, or COVID-19, experiencing constantly high fever, which reaches above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, is a sign that medical intervention might be needed, or the infection might be worsening rapidly.

It's important to keep in mind that extremely high temperatures, which do not come down with paracetamol use or other therapies can also be a sign of dengue. High fever with flu infection is also more commonly seen amongst those who have pre-existing illness or compromised immunity.

Breathing difficulties as a symptom are common with respiratory infections such as COVID-19, and less typically with the flu. However, in rare cases, if breathing difficulties, shortness of breath is accompanied by high fever and severe cough and congestion, it might indicate a serious case of viral infection.

If you are breathing faster than normal, have blue lips or pale discoloration on the face, experience chest pain, consider seeking emergent help.

Dehydration is a serious health trouble which needs attention, and with the flu, it can also indicate a sign of severity. When your body doesn't get enough fluids, carrying on vital functions can become a difficult task, and when you are suffering from the flu, it can become increasingly difficult to match required fluid intake for the day, since symptoms like high fever, nausea, and diarrhea, weakness can make it difficult for a person to eat and drink well. Thus, dehydration is one of the most common severe symptoms with the flu, requiring hospitalization. Look for signs like fatigue, dizziness, strong palpitations, dry eyes, urine trouble- apart from feeling parched, which can all point to signs of dehydration.

Experts also say that when somebody is suffering from the flu and has a longer recovery time, it's important to be on the lookout for signs of mental state changes, and if at all encountered, should be medically treated at once. Dehydration, high reaching temperature and low levels of blood oxygen can all alter mental state, lead to dizziness, confusion or in cases delirium as well.