Abhijeet Dipke’s reported diagnosis of typhoid has once again drawn attention to a disease that often begins quietly and is frequently mistaken for a routine seasonal illness.

Doctors caution that typhoid can closely resemble common viral infections in its early stages, making timely diagnosis essential.

“Typhoid rarely presents dramatically in the beginning.

It often mimics a simple fever, which is why many people delay seeking medical attention,” says Dr Mohit Sharma, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.

“However, dengue, malaria and viral infections can also present with similar symptoms, and these are not specific to typhoid.

Persistent or progressive fever A key feature of typhoid is a fever that lingers and gradually rises over several days.

“A persistent fever should never be casually attributed to a seasonal infection,” says Dr Sharma.

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Fatigue that does not improve with rest People with typhoid often experience overwhelming tiredness.

“Patients commonly report that even simple daily activities become exhausting,” Dr Sharma explains.

“This kind of fatigue is not typical of a mild viral illness.” 3.

Loss of appetite A reduced desire to eat is another important indicator.

“When appetite loss accompanies fever and weakness, it raises suspicion of an underlying infection like typhoid,” he notes.

4.

Constant headache Headaches that persist despite rest or home remedies should not be ignored.

“A continuous headache along with fever and fatigue warrants medical attention,” says Dr Sharma.

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Stomach pain or bloating Abdominal discomfort is common, even when food intake is reduced.

“Patients may complain of heaviness, bloating or tenderness in the abdomen, which can point towards typhoid involvement of the digestive system,” he says.

6.

Constipation or diarrhoea Typhoid can affect the gut in different ways.

“Some patients develop diarrhoea, while others experience constipation.

Both can occur as part of the illness,” Dr Sharma explains.

Nausea or vomiting Nausea can limit food and fluid intake, worsening the condition.

“Repeated vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration and weakness, which complicates recovery,” he adds.

8.

Confusion, abnormal drowsiness or progressive weakness These are more serious warning signs.

“If a patient becomes unusually drowsy, confused or progressively weaker, it is a red flag that requires urgent medical evaluation,” stresses Dr Sharma.

Doctors also warn against a common but risky assumption.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make is to label every prolonged fever as ‘seasonal’,” says Dr Sharma.

“Infections such as dengue, malaria and typhoid can all begin in a similar way, which is why proper testing is essential.” Self-medication is another concern.

“Patients should never start antibiotics without consulting a doctor, nor should they stop them prematurely once they feel better,” he cautions.

“Incorrect choice, dosage or duration of antibiotics can lead to treatment failure, relapse and antibiotic resistance.” Typhoid may begin subtly, but with timely diagnosis, proper hydration and appropriate antibiotic therapy, it is treatable and complications can be avoided.

“Early intervention makes a significant difference in outcomes,” Dr Sharma emphasises.