Dengue Fever- Important things to know

Dengue Fever, a relentless mosquito-borne tropical disease caused by the dengue virus, continues to be a pressing concern. It's primarily transmitted by female mosquitoes of the Aedes genus, particularly the “Aedes aegypti” species.

Today, let us highlight the important things and explore essential preventive measures for senior loved ones to shield them from this menacing virus.

Symptoms of Dengue Fever:

The hallmark symptom of Dengue is a high fever, often accompanied by:

Rashes: Distinctive skin rashes that resemble a measles-like pattern.

Nausea and Vomiting: Persistent feelings of nausea, and vomiting in severe cases.

Headache: Intense headaches 

Body Aches and Pains: Muscle and joint pains, often accompanied by severe eye pain.

Recovery typically spans two to seven days. However, in rare instances, Dengue can transform into the more severe “Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever”, characterized by low blood platelet levels, bleeding tendencies, or Dengue Shock Syndrome, where blood pressure plunges to perilous levels. In such cases, immediate medical attention is imperative.

Rush to a nearby hospital or nursing home if you or your family members experience alarming symptoms like:

Excessive Abdominal Pain

harp abdominal pain that doesn't subside.

Bleeding from the Nose or Gums

Uncontrolled bleeding from these areas.

Vomiting Blood or Blood in Stool

A critical sign that requires immediate attention.

Extreme Exhaustion or Irritability

Overwhelming fatigue or irritability beyond normal levels.

For those availing caregiver services from a reputed elder care service for their beloved seniors, ensure that the caregiver diligently monitors their health and provides regular updates.

Treatment of Dengue Fever

There is no specific treatment for Dengue Fever. If you or your senior loved ones contract a milder form, focus on:

Hydration

Consume ample fluids to expedite recovery.

Pain Management

Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen can help alleviate muscle pain and reduce fever.

However, hospitalization might be necessary if you or your seniors display these severe symptoms:

Dry Mouth or Lips

A sign of dehydration.

Reduced Urine Output

Indicative of severe dehydration.

Confusion:

Mental confusion or disorientation.

Lethargy:

Unusual levels of fatigue.

Preventive Measures to Combat Dengue:

Maintain Cleanliness

Keep your home and its surroundings spotless. Eliminate stagnant water sources to prevent mosquito breeding. Dispose of items that can collect water, such as broken buckets, flower pots, and containers.

Mosquito Repellents

Use mosquito-repellent creams and mosquito nets, especially at night.

Air Conditioning

If possible, use air conditioning as mosquitoes are less likely to thrive in cooler environments.

Protective Clothing

Wear long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks when venturing into mosquito-infested areas to minimize skin exposure and potential mosquito bites.

Dengue Fever is a formidable threat, but with vigilant preventive measures, we can reduce the risk of infection. If your senior loved one is battling Dengue, consider reaching out to the best Eldercare Service Providers in Kolkata for top-notch caregiving assistance.  Proactive efforts can make a substantial difference in the fight against this menacing disease.