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Protecting Yourself from Dengue Fever: A Guide for Dealing with Aedes Mosquitoes in Thailand

The Thais in addition to having to deal with a hot and humid climate. I have yet to encounter various insects. who entered our house without knowing it, above all “Aedes mosquito” which grows well in tropical cities like Thailand And often causes discomfort by biting the body. It causes red bumps, itching, allergic reactions or scarring and makes us more likely to get them “Dengue Fever” and may have severe, life-threatening symptoms The Department of Disease Control revealed that in 2023, there were 156,079 cases of dengue fever and 175 deaths.

Today, Dr. Baramee Ponglikitmongkol Family Medicine Specialist Wimut Hospital Internal Medicine Center will tell you about the dangers of the disease. dengue fever Ready to advise ways to prevent and cure To correctly deal with this disease

Dr. Baramee explained it Dengue fever It is caused by infection with the dengue virus, which includes 4 strains: DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. This disease is not transmitted directly from person to person. But contact via Aedes mosquitoes who carry disease Biting someone who was previously infected with the virus and then biting another person later. Normal if we are infected with a disease dengue fever The first time there may be no symptoms. or have only minor symptoms. But if the infection recurs a second time, it will be a different strain than the first time. Patients are likely to have severe symptoms such as high fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and some have fluid leakage from blood vessels. It causes shock, dehydration and in some cases severe bleeding that can cause death.

Dengue fever It can be divided into 3 phases: The first phase is the high fever phase, in which the patient will have an acute high fever above 38.5 degrees Celsius without any respiratory system symptoms. But there are other associated symptoms such as headache, muscle pain, joint pain, bone pain, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and fever usually disappears in about 3-7 days. The second phase is the critical phase after the feverish phase . Most dengue fever patients reach the critical stage on days 5-7 of the fever, when fluid leaks from the blood vessels. Sometimes it can be so severe that it causes dengue shock in the patient. and there is a possibility of death The last phase is the recovery phase: After dengue fever patients have been in the critical phase for about 24-48 hours, they will start to enter the recovery phase. It is a period in which the body gradually recovers until the symptoms quickly improve in order.

Dr. Baramee explained this further Dengue fever It can happen to anyone when it hits. Aedes mosquitoes infected with bites Especially for children aged 5 to 14 years special attention should be paid. This is because they are the group that has the highest rate of disease. Everyone can protect themselves in many ways, such as applying mosquito repellent and wearing clothing that covers everything. And it’s best to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. But it can’t always be avoided. Therefore, to prevent it, it is necessary to carry out vaccination.

“Currently vaccines dengue fever Covers all 4 species. Qdenga vaccination is recommended. It is a live attenuated vaccine with attenuated effects on all 4 strains. Injected with 2 shots, 3 months apart, it can prevent infection by 80%. It also prevents complications, reduces severity and reduces the chance of shock by up to 100%. to 90%. The vaccine can be administered from 4 to 60 years of age both to those who have and who have not previously had dengue fever. However, it is contraindicated for those with compromised immune systems, such as patients taking immunosuppressive drugs. Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, HIV patients, etc., including pregnant and breastfeeding women”

For treatment methods “Dengue Fever” Dr Baramee said there is currently no specific antiviral drug for the dengue virus. Treatment of the disease therefore focuses on treating the symptoms. and the duration of the illness, such as taking painkillers to reduce fever, paracetamol, drying yourself to reduce fever, drinking mineral water. But in cases where the patient presents severe symptoms or begins to enter a period of crisis You should immediately consult a doctor. Because the patient may have fluid leakage from the blood vessel. severe bleeding leading to shock or death Therefore you need to be under close medical supervision.

Today, global temperatures are gradually rising, causing Aedes mosquitoes to breed faster. We are likely to get sick Dengue fever So also increased. The best way for us is to protect ourselves. By avoiding mosquito bites, destroy breeding sites Aedes mosquitoes at home and get vaccinated promptly against dengue fever Because dengue fever can recur throughout your life. When an infection occurs, you will be able to prevent serious symptoms. and can be restored more quickly,” concluded Dr. Baramee.

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