How to Know What’s Causing Your Fever: Dengue, Typhoid, or Viral?
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Mayanka Lodha Seth
Written By Sheena Mehta
on May 16, 2025
Last Edit Made By Sheena Mehta
on Jul 19, 2025
Hey!
Do dengue, typhoid, or viral infections confuse you? Especially when they have similar symptoms, self-diagnosis can be difficult.
Timely and accurate diagnosis is important to get the right treatment.
Today’s blog is a helpful guide to differentiate dengue, typhoid, and viral fever, based on their symptoms, duration, tests, and treatment approaches.
Understand the Basic Difference: Dengue Fever, Typhoid Fever, and Viral Fever
Below is a table showing the basic differences among them. Let’s understand it in detail.
| Types of Fever | Causes | Common In | Onset | Signs and Symptoms |
| Dengue Fever | Aedes mosquitoes transmit dengue virus. | Dengue fever is most common from June to October. | Dengue fever can be high. The temperature can go as high as 104 F (40 C). It usually develops 4 to 7 days after the infection. | Dengue fever can cause headache, nausea, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, or bone pain. Severe dengue can cause stomach/abdominal pain, frequent vomiting, nose bleeds, blood in your stool, and irritability.. |
| Typhoid Fever | The bacterium Salmonella Typhi can cause typhoid fever. The main cause of typhoid fever is contaminated water or food. | Typhoid fever is most common in poor sanitation and unhygienic settings. | Typhoid fever is gradual and progressive. It usually develops 1 or 2 weeks after you get infected with the bacteria. | If diagnosed with typhoid fever, you may get chills, headache, fatigue, diarrhea, weakness, and rash. Severe typhoid fever can even cause death. |
| Viral Fever | You get a viral fever when infected with the influenza, adenovirus, and Rhinovirus. | Viral fever is more common during seasonal changes and weather conditions. Other conditions include poor hygiene and sanitization, increased mosquito activity, and respiratory conditions. | Viral fever can range from 99°F to over 103°F (39°C). Additionally, the viral fever occurs within a week or seven days of getting the symptoms. | A few viral fever symptoms are frequent chills with shivering, runny nose, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, weakness, or tiredness. Severe viral fever can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, and night sweats. |
What Tests Can Help Diagnose Fever?
A lab test for dengue fever, viral fever, and typhoid fever is essential for accurate diagnosis, especially when symptoms overlap.
Dengue Fever Tests
A doctor suggests a blood test for dengue to check for the signs of the dengue virus. A dengue fever test includes:
- NS1 Antigen Test
- IgM/IgG Antibody Test
- CBC Test
Typhoid Fever Tests
A typhoid fever test may be suggested to detect antibodies in your blood sample.
- Widal Test
- TyphiDot Test
- Blood culture
- CBC Test
Viral Fever Test
A doctor may suggest a viral fever test to differentiate viral infections from bacterial infections or other underlying health problems. A viral fever test includes:
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Blood Culture Test
- Liver Function Test (LFT)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test
- Kidney Function Test (KFT)
6 Additional Tips to Help You Recover Fast From Dengue, Viral, or Typhoid
When diagnosed with dengue, typhoid, or viral fever, other tips to help you recover fast from these illnesses include:
You should focus on:
- Soft, bland foods like khichdi, boiled vegetables, soups, dal, porridge, and curd.
- Incorporate high-energy fruits like bananas, apples, and papaya in your diet.
- Small or frequent meals help maintain energy.
- Avoid packed juices. Drink fresh coconut water and fruit juices.
- Stay in touch with your doctor or dietitian for personalized advice.
- Support from family and friends can help you recover fast.
Dengue, Viral, or Typhoid: When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention?
Book an appointment with your doctor quickly if you notice these signs:
- High fever for more than four days.
- Severe weakness
- Nose/gums bleeds
- Confusion or seizures
- Low blood pressure or dehydration
- Rash with rapid spread
Down With Fever? Here Are Some Prevention Tips You Should Know
Dengue Fever
You can prevent dengue fever:
- Wear long clothes to prevent mosquito bites.
- Use coils and vaporizers.
- Use nets sprayed with mosquito repellent.
- Eliminate stagnant water around your house.
- If not needed, stay indoors during the day.
Typhoid Fever
To prevent typhoid fever, you should:
- Always wash your vegetables before preparing them.
- Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially when soap and water are unavailable.
- Untreated water can worsen the condition.
- Drink only filtered/boiled water.
- Immunization may be needed.
Viral Fever
To prevent viral fever, you should:
- Practice hand hygiene
- Avoid contact with sick individuals
- Boost immunity with adequate nutrition
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Ensure you stay up-to-date with vaccines.
Conclusion
Although it is challenging to identify whether you have dengue, typhoid, or viral fever due to the overlapping of symptoms, dengue fever often causes severe body pain and low platelet count, typhoid fever may lead to prolonged fever and abdominal discomfort, and viral fever can be treated with supportive care.
Do not take any risks; even self-diagnosis can lead to negative outcomes. Early and accurate diagnosis through appropriate health tests, such as a CBC, dengue NS1 antigen, Widal test, or other targeted investigations, can ensure effective treatment and prevent complications.
Get yourself tested immediately when your fever persists beyond 2-3 days and is accompanied by unusual symptoms.
Looking for a Fever Blood Test? Here is Why You Need Redcliffe Labs?
Healthy India Ki Trusted Lab-Redcliffe Labs is a pan-India omnichannel service provider that handles blood and urine samples with family-like care.
If your healthcare professional suggests a blood test for dengue, typhoid, or viral fever, we are a call away. We can provide expert testing from the comfort of your home and are affordable, too.
We have already served more than 70 lakh patients, and assure you of services with 100% accuracy guaranteed or your money back.
So, why wait? Call us at 898 898 87 87 or immediately download the Redcliffe Labs mobile app to book a test online. The reports are typically available within deadlines.
Step-by-step information on booking a blood test for fever online from Redcliffe Labs.
- Visit the official Redcliffe Labs website: https://redcliffelabs.com/.
- Search for the specific test you need.
- Add the test to the cart.
- Complete the payment process online.
- You will receive confirmation through SMS and WhatsApp.
FAQs
Q1: Why does COVID-19 or the flu confuse me?
There is confusion about whether COVID-19 or the flu causes symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, and body aches. Hence, diagnostic testing may be needed to confirm.
Q2. Can all fevers be treated with antibiotics?
No. All fevers can be treated with antibiotics, especially if diagnosed with dengue and a viral infection. Antibiotics are mostly suggested to treat bacterial infections like typhoid.
Q3. Can I take ibuprofen in dengue?
No. You should avoid ibuprofen in dengue to help prevent the risk of complications, such as bleeding and gastrointestinal bleeding, which can be life-threatening.
Q4. What foods should I eat during a fever?
During fever, you should eat light, easy-to-digest foods. These foods can include khichdi, soups, fruits, and plenty of fluids to support quick recovery.
Q5. Can typhoid fever become serious?
Yes. Typhoid fever can become serious if left untreated. This bacterial infection can affect many body organs. Prompt treatment is needed to reduce complications or a relapse.
Q6. Can I get typhoid again after recovering once?
Yes. Immunity may not be long-lasting. Poor hygiene can lead to reinfection.
