Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand April / May 2015 - The Health & Wellness Issue | Page 28

HEALTH & well-being Repellant containing DEET is the most effective against mosquitoes himself to the office against my protestations. In the end, it was his loyal staff who sent him packing. “Go home boss. Go to the hospital!" Perhaps they envisioned he might be the first Ebola case in Thailand? Off to hospital he goes. By this stage, he not only had a rash but he also felt very poorly, much like having a bad dose of the flu. My husband must have felt terrible because under normal circumstances, he would never voluntarily cross the threshold of any hospital. He’s previously suffered an injury that required over 25 stitches, yet I still had to drag him kicking and screaming to the ER. Phase 4: THE DIAGNOSIS In hindsight, he looked so clearly “dengue” that we are now somewhat mystified that it took an entire day until he was diagnosed. He might have been tested for every other disease or affliction in the Encyclopedia of Tropical Medicine first. But now that we had the definitive diagnosis, my husband was sent home 26 WANDERLUST Patients who are infected with the dengue virus can transmit the infection (for 4–5 days; maximum 12 days) via Aedes mosquitoes after their first symptoms appear. Source: World Health Organization with a few sage words of advice from the doctor: 1. There is no medication or vaccine for dengue. For pain relief, take acetaminophen (Tylenol). Do not under any circumstances take pain relievers that contain aspirin or ibuprofen since they have blood-thinning attributes. This is to avoid dying a slow and painful death due to internal bleeding. 2. Drink a lot of water or any fluids, eat healthy food, and rest. Husband asked if wine and beer counted as beneficial fluids to which he was advised, “No.” Too bad. Dengue is so very boring. 3. In around two weeks, you’ll probably be over the worst and will likely feel as happy and bouncy as a new born. 4. Every three days, come back to the hospital so we can test your blood platelet levels to further ensure that you are not about to worsen significantly. Oh and FYI—your liver is currently cactus, but that is the norm when you have dengue. 5. Take your body temperature on an hourly basis. It is normal to experience extreme highs and lows in temperature. If your temperature gets too low, you’ll likely go into shock. Make sure that doesn’t happen— if it gets bad, pop by the clinic for a consultation. Phase 5: PEELING SKIN AND NON-STOP ITCHINESS Some unlucky dengue sufferers experience the indignity of random skin loss, especially on the hands. I saw my husband hug himself and weep a little at the freakishness of the peeling skin factor. No amount of Shea butter body cream could www.wande &