Come July, many families across Pune and PCMC begin to see a familiar pattern – persistent fever, body pain, and fatigue that doesn’t go away with the usual home remedies. It’s easy to pass it off as a seasonal viral, something that just needs rest. But during monsoon, this approach can be risky.
Diseases like dengue and malaria, both caused by mosquito bites, become more common in this season. And the symptoms? They start just like any other fever, which makes it harder to know what’s really going on – unless you test.
If you or someone in your home is feeling unwell this monsoon, understanding the early signs and getting a few basic blood tests done can help you avoid serious complications.
Why Are Mosquito-Borne Illnesses So Common During Monsoon?
The answer lies in standing water.
During the rains, water collects in buckets, tanks, plant pots, coolers, and even construction sites. These become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. While we often think of mosquitoes as a nuisance, in this season, they can carry viruses and parasites that lead to serious illness.
- Dengue is spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day and breed in clean, stored water.
- Malaria is spread by Anopheles mosquitoes, which bite mostly at night and thrive in stagnant water.
These illnesses are part of why doctors and labs across Pune see more fever-related testing between July and September. Not every fever is dangerous – but some are, and that’s where lab tests help.
What Does Dengue or Malaria Feel Like?
It usually starts small.
A mild fever. Some tiredness. Maybe a bit of a headache or body ache.
But within a day or two, the symptoms may start getting worse:
- Dengue often causes high fever, joint pain, and sometimes a red skin rash or bleeding gums. Some people call it “breakbone fever” because of how painful it can be.
- Malaria, on the other hand, usually brings chills, followed by sweating. The fever can come and go in cycles, sometimes every two or three days.
There are also shared signs – nausea, low appetite, and weakness – that make it hard to tell the difference.
This is why doctors usually recommend basic blood tests if you’ve had a fever for more than two days during monsoon.
How Do Lab Tests Help?
At this stage, you’re not looking for complicated answers – just clarity.
A few simple blood tests can quickly show whether the fever is something seasonal or something that needs treatment.
- Dengue NS1 Antigen Test helps detect the virus in the early stage (within the first 4 days).
- Dengue IgM and IgG tests tell if it’s a recent or past infection.
- Malaria Rapid Antigen Test shows if the parasite is in your blood.
- A Peripheral Blood Smear helps confirm the type of malaria, if present.
- And a Complete Blood Count (CBC) gives an idea of your platelet count, white blood cells, and hemoglobin – all of which can be affected in both illnesses.
These are basic, widely available tests that don’t take long – and can help your doctor begin the right treatment early, before things get worse.
Do You Really Need to Test Right Away?
If your fever is mild, and you’re feeling mostly okay, it’s tempting to wait.
But here’s the issue: both dengue and malaria can get serious very quickly if not diagnosed in time. Dengue, for example, can lead to internal bleeding if platelet counts drop too low. Malaria can cause organ complications if it spreads through the bloodstream unchecked.
So instead of guessing, it’s safer to know.
Testing doesn’t mean you’re assuming the worst – it just means you’re choosing clarity.
Where Can You Get Tested in Wakad and Nearby Areas?
If you’re searching online for where to get these tests done near you, Dr. Tayade’s Pathlab offers both walk-in and home sample collection in and around Wakad, Dange Chowk, and PCMC.
You don’t need to travel far. You don’t need to wait in long lines. And you don’t need to guess anymore.
We offer:
- Blood tests for dengue and malaria with quick reporting
- Home collection by trained staff across the PCMC area
- Digital reports via WhatsApp or email
- Assistance in understanding your test results if needed
Whether it’s for yourself or a family member, testing early can give peace of mind – and sometimes, make a real difference in recovery.
Final Thoughts
Fever during monsoon is common. But so are dengue and malaria.
And the only way to know the difference is to test.
If you’re feeling unsure, don’t wait too long.
Talk to your doctor, and book a test if needed.
It’s simple, it’s nearby, and it could help you recover faster.
To book a fever panel or a home test, call Dr. Tayade’s Pathlab or visit our center in Dange Chowk.
