Many people find it difficult to distinguish typhus and DHF because they both begin with symptoms such as fever. Although the initial symptoms are the same, typhus and DHF are different diseases, both the cause, treatment, and prevention.
Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is caused by the dengue virus, which is transmitted through mosquito bites. While typhoid fever or typhus is caused by Salmonella typhi bacteria, which is transmitted through food.
Although both infectious diseases, typhoid and DHF need to be treated and prevented in different ways. In order to be able to distinguish typhus and DHF, you need to first understand the different symptoms of these two diseases.
Difference in Fever on Tipes and DHF
Fever is an initial symptom that occurs in DHF or typhus. Not only because of infection, fever or increased body temperature can also be caused by inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and even dehydration. Therefore, fever also needs to be distinguished based on its nature.
There is a slight difference in the pattern of fever in typhus (typhoid fever) and dengue fever (DHF). The following is the explanation:
- Dengue fever or dengue fever is characterized by high fever (temperatures between 39-40 degrees Celsius) that appear suddenly, fever can last up to seven days and occur continuously.
- In typhoid, fever will appear gradually. When the initial symptoms appear, body temperature can be normal or low, then it will rise slowly every day, and can reach 40 degrees Celsius.
Differences in Typical Symptoms of Typhus and DHF
In addition to the different fever patterns, there are specific symptoms that appear in each disease. Typical symptoms of dengue hemorrhagic fever are bleeding, such as nosebleeds, bleeding gums, longer or more menstrual periods, bloody bowel movements, or vomiting of blood.
Signs of bleeding in DHF can also not be seen, so doctors or nurses need to do a weir test using blood pressure gauges (tensimeter), to trigger bleeding on the skin in the form of red spots.
In contrast to dengue fever which is characterized by bleeding, typhoid is characterized by initial symptoms in the form of digestive tract disorders, such as constipation or diarrhea, discomfort in the stomach, to abdominal pain.
Additional Examination for Tipes and DHF
If you experience symptoms of typhus or DHF, you need to consult a doctor. The doctor will ask about the symptoms you feel, do a physical examination, and do some supporting tests, such as blood tests, to find out the cause of the symptoms.
Complete blood count examination in patients with dengue fever is done to assess blood thickness, the number of blood clotting cells (platelets or blood clots), as well as the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin. Blood tests can be done regularly every day.
In contrast to dengue fever, blood tests for typhus sufferers aim to see antibodies against Salmonella typhi bacteria.
The treatment of these two diseases is also different. The main treatment of DHF is done by meeting the needs of body fluids, while typhus requires antibiotics to eliminate the infection.
Preventive Tipes and DHF Prevention
Ways of preventing typhus and DHF are also different. To prevent DHF, you can install mosquito nets, use anti-mosquito lotion, diligently clean the environment, drain the tub, and close the water reservoir.
While prevention of typhus can be done by maintaining personal hygiene and food or drink intake, namely by washing hands before eating, washing food thoroughly, and consuming boiled water or bottled water that is guaranteed to be clean.
By knowing the difference between typhus and DHF, you are expected to be more vigilant of these two diseases, as well as perform early treatment and appropriate treatment.
But to be sure, you need to see a doctor. Your doctor will provide appropriate treatment to deal with your illness and prevent complications that can be fatal.
