Costa Rica Forum

designguru
Joined 2018
Posts: 346

7 months ago

Get your 'off' stocked up... Dengue

7 months ago

Hey all. I'm in the central North... we have had a Lot of heavy rains; perhaps catching up on a not-so-insane wet season that started late. Anyway; with rain comes standing water and with that... Mosquitos.
I am in my 9th day with fever from Dengue. Dengue is caused by a mosquito bite. There are two types, one that is like a really rotten FLU on steroids; and the other is quite dangerous with life-threatening bleeding.
I wasn't as cautious as always and must have been bitten. I usually apply some off if I'm working in the garden or walking my dog. Last Friday I did not. Anyway... Know This... Dengue can hit you fast; like, really fast. One minute I was fine, and about 60 minutes later I was feverish and fainting. A fever that appears that fast is a good sign that Dengue has 'bitten' you. I had severe headache, especially behind the eyes, along with body aches, sweats, insane chills, and 'other' not so pretty stuff.
I ended up really ill but wasn't fully aware as I was fainting and then falling; ending up on the floor. (one time, for hours).
I broke a collarbone, broke my nose, and am hurting all over not only from the fever/virus, but from the falls. When I broke my nose I was passed out cold and lost a lot of blood. Luckily my snoopy neighbor found me. (I'm so very happy she's so 'inquisitive')... she thought I had been shot. I actually remember very little.
I opted Not to have a transfusion.... I will build back on my own. Doctor says to keep hydrated; I am over the hump.
Basically, he said to take flu meds (Viro-Grip) and lots of rest. I'm stocked with Gatorade and Tylenol.
Great weight loss if there's an upside. ??
My first time in 'social medicine' emergency room/hospital; not bad but chaotic, slow, and it didn't seem very clean. Maybe north american medical facilities are above and beyond.. ??
I know of 3 others in my immediate village who are also nursing Dengue; all ages and physical conditions. One is a contractor that I know; he is late 50's and it's his first time with Dengue. The emergency room staff said they were seeing a lot of it.. I guess it's mating season in Mosquito world.
Might be worth a 'google'.

Add some 'off' or whatever, to your shopping list. Better to be safe.
Pura Vida.

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