Flu vs Malaria: How to Tell the Difference

Read in: English | Pidgin

Flu and malaria na two sickness wey fit cause fever, body pain, weakness and headache.

Because their symptoms fit look alike, many people fit think say na the same sickness.

But flu and malaria get different causes and different ways wey dem dey spread.

Understanding the difference fit help person know when to go hospital for test.


Wetin cause flu?

Flu na sickness wey virus cause.

E dey spread from person to person through:

cough
• sneeze
• close contact with sick person

Flu mainly affect nose, throat and lungs.


Wetin cause malaria?

Malaria na sickness wey parasite cause.

E enter body when infected mosquito bite person.

The parasite attack red blood cells, which cause the symptoms.

Malaria common for many tropical countries, especially for Africa.


Symptoms wey dem share

Both flu and malaria fit cause:

fever
headache
• body pain
weakness
tiredness
• sweating

Because these symptoms resemble each other, test fit be needed to know the exact sickness.


Symptoms wey flu dey cause more

Flu often cause:

sore throat
• cough
• runny nose
• blocked nose
• chest discomfort

Flu symptoms usually start quickly after infection.


Symptoms wey malaria dey cause more

Malaria fit cause:

• strong chills
• repeated fever
• nausea or vomiting
• serious weakness
• sweating attacks

Symptoms usually appear about one to two weeks after mosquito bite.


When person suppose go hospital

Make person go hospital quickly if:

• fever no reduce
• breathing become difficult
• person dey confused
• serious weakness happen
• person dey vomit many times

Testing important because malaria need special treatment.


Final Advice

Flu and malaria fit look alike in the beginning.

If person dey area where malaria common and fever start, malaria test important.

Early treatment fit prevent serious complications.


Medical Disclaimer

This article na for education purpose only. E no replace medical advice from qualified health professional. Always talk to doctor or trained health worker about your health concerns.