Why is it important to be aware
We are a large family of Indian origin with most of us in US and Canada. Recently we had multiple people in our family suffer from Dengue in different cities of India. Unfortunately we lost one of us!
We realize that most people are not aware of the seriousness of the situation. Even healthcare personnel seem to take this rather lightly.
We are trying to spread awareness by reaching out to as many people as we can.
Remember
You are best advocate for your health
Young, old and non residents and people with low immunity are at higher risk
Prevention is easy, just avoid mosquito bite!
If you have fever, go to a doctor (Some doctors may say it is viral fever and subside in 3~4 days)
Insist on IgM and platelet count; repeat for 4 days
If platelets are below 100,000 get admitted
Read a personal account of dengue
I lost my father to Dengue Shock Syndrome this month. What we learnt through this unreal experience is that you are your best health advocate. I would like to prevent another senseless loss by sharing our experience.
My father was 73 years and was younger by at least a decade in body and spirit. On Day 1, he was diagnosed with viral fever and advised to return for further tests if fever does not subside in three days. Day 4, fever subsided but was feeling lethargic, with a loss of appetite and abdominal pain. He managed to have some soup and milk. Day 5, he complained of weakness and was hospitalized. In a matter of hours, his body went into a state of shock with multi organ failure. We lost him on Day 7. Cause of death: Dengue Shock Syndrome.
If you live in areas where Dengue is rampant, as it is in India, and you are down with fever, please insist to be tested for Dengue. Children and elderly are more susceptible as their immune system is weaker. Diagnosis is tricky and the simple blood test for IgM and platelet count needs to be repeated on alternate days for a week to get the correct diagnosis. When diagnosed, Dengue shock syndrome can be prevented by constant monitoring and fluid replacement.
People say he has left a legacy in the way he lived. If his death could create an awareness and save lives, he would have left a legacy both in life and death. More information about Dengue can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/dengue
Following are the precautions that one should take to avoid mosquito bites:
