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Fever in Karachi: Dengue, Typhoid or Flu?
Fever is the most common reason people see a doctor in Karachi. Here is how the usual causes differ, which tests help, and when to go to hospital.
Written by Dr. Fanila Adhi, MBBS, RMP. General information, not a replacement for a consultation.
The three fevers doctors see most
Seasonal flu and viral fever
Usually comes with a runny nose, sore throat, cough and body aches. It generally settles within a few days with rest, fluids and paracetamol.
Dengue
Spread by mosquitoes, with more cases after the monsoon. Typical signs are sudden high fever, severe body and joint pain, pain behind the eyes, headache and sometimes a rash. The risky phase is often when the fever starts to come down, around days 3 to 7, which is why follow-up matters.
Typhoid
Spread through contaminated food and water. Fever tends to rise gradually over several days, with weakness, headache, stomach pain, and constipation or diarrhoea. Karachi has drug-resistant typhoid, so antibiotics should only be taken as prescribed by a doctor.
Which tests help, and when
- CBC (complete blood count): helps track platelets and white cells, especially in suspected dengue.
- Dengue NS1 antigen: most useful in the first few days of fever.
- Blood culture: the most reliable test for typhoid, ideally before antibiotics are started.
- Malaria test: if the fever comes with shivering or chills.
Not everyone needs every test. Dr. Fanila will suggest the ones that fit your symptoms and the day of illness.
What to do at home
- Drink plenty of fluids: water, ORS, soups and fresh juices.
- Use paracetamol for fever. Avoid ibuprofen, aspirin and similar painkillers when dengue is possible, because they can increase bleeding risk.
- Do not start antibiotics on your own. Wrong or incomplete courses make typhoid harder to treat.
- Use mosquito nets and repellent, and empty standing water around the house.
Go to hospital now if there is: severe stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from gums or nose, blood in vomit or stool, cold clammy skin, extreme weakness or drowsiness, breathing difficulty, or very little urine. Call Rescue 1122 or Edhi 115 if needed.
Common questions
How many days does dengue fever last?
The fever usually lasts 2 to 7 days. The period when fever starts falling needs close watching, because warning signs can appear then.
Is typhoid contagious?
Typhoid spreads through food and water contaminated by an infected person. Handwashing, safe drinking water and properly cooked food reduce the risk.
When should I see a doctor for fever?
See a doctor if fever lasts more than 2 days, is very high, or comes with severe pain, rash, vomiting, or any warning sign listed above. Children, elderly people and pregnant women should be seen earlier.
Need to see the doctor?
Send a WhatsApp message with your name, your area, and what the problem is. We will reply with the next available time for a clinic, online, or home visit.