Wanderlust: Expat Life & Style in Thailand April / May 2015 - The Health & Wellness Issue | Page 29

HEALTH & well-being quell the skin peeling. Add non-stop itching to the equation, and you have a recipe for misery. Phase 6: EXHAUSTION, MEMORY LOSS, & MILD DEPRESSION Some lucky folk have their two weeks of dengue and then life goes back to normal. But for many others, a post-viral chronic fatigue sets in. It’s exhaustion so deep that it includes intermittent memory loss, the odd panic attack or two, and an inexplicable sense of despair. My poor husband fell into the latter category. This can last for a few weeks or many months. In this case, it becomes crucial to follow a healthy diet, to do mild aerobic exercise, and to seek professional assistance to ensure that the fatigue and other symptoms don’t become an unmanageable long-term issue. Now that I’ve managed to scare you all, I’m sure you’ll pay attention when I tell you that prevention is key! You and your family can do your best to avoid this harrowing and potentially life-threatening infection by taking some simple steps including: ©© Regularly check your house or condo and surrounding areas for potential breeding grounds. Yes, even if you live in a 26th floor condo, they can and will find you. ©© Always wear a mosquito repellent that contains DEET. We tried the natural citronella options, but they just didn’t cut the mustard and we continued to be bitten. Don't let flower pots collect water ©© Burn mosquito coils or use high-quality electric zapping machines in outdoor areas. ©© Cover your beds with mosquito nets. ©© Sleep with the air conditioning on and keep all doors and windows fully sealed. ©© If like us, you enjoy water features and ponds, make sure you include little fish who will happily munch on the mosquito larvae. ©© Replace flower vase water on a regular basis. ©© Cover any drains that are not in regular use. The Aedes love a dark and shady location to breed. issues gives you a sense of respect and wonder for the power of nature. Ok, the truth is, whenever I see a mosquito these days, I chase it with one of those electric zapping racquets like a mad woman. Granted some positives have resulted from our household dengue crisis. It finally gave us the impetus to live a healthier life. We have started to exercise more regularly and we eat healthier foods. A weakened and unhealthy immune system makes you more susceptible to the serious form of dengue. We all live and learn, sometimes the hard way. FIRST SIGNS OF DENGUE FEVER: ©© Drain excess water from flower pots and their trays. High fever (38C / 100.4 F or higher) and at least two of the following: The mere fact that such a tiny insect could cause such serious health ©© Severe headache ©© Severe pain behind the eyes The mosquito carrying dengue bites at all times of the day ©© Joint pain ©© Muscle and/or bone pain ©© Rash ©© Mild bleeding manifestation (e.g., nose or gum bleed, petechiae, or easy bruising) ©© Low white cell count Source: Centre for Disease Control www.wanderlustmag.comWANDERLUST  27