Sri Lanka, June 25 -- Sri Lanka is currently seeing both dengue fever and seasonal influenza circulating at the same time, and doctors are urging the public not to try and self-diagnose at home.

Health experts say the early symptoms of dengue and influenza are very similar, especially in the first few days, which often leads to confusion and delay in proper treatment.

"Dengue or Influenza-decide it at the dispensary, not at home. If fever lasts more than two days, consult a doctor. Symptoms can overlap initially. A Full Blood Count (FBC) helps to differentiate," Consultant Paediatrician Dr. Maheshaka Wijayawardena said.

Doctors warn that waiting too long at home can be risky, especially if the illness turns out to be dengue, where ear...