As election results pour in, I find myself at home, halfheartedly searching for rental properties. Lately, I've been feeling under the weather - lacking motivation, constantly tired, and uncharacteristically lazy. It's been a while since I've updated my blog or hit the gym. This morning, while pondering whether my bout with dengue fever last year might be connected to my current state, I found myself googling the aftereffects of dengue.
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| Photo credits: gettyimages, Buddihika Weerasinghe |
It's been over a year since my dengue ordeal, which I dramatically recounted in my earlier post, "Everything is a miracle." In the immediate aftermath of the fever, I might have felt as if life itself was miraculous, but I certainly don't feel that way now. While I long to recapture that sense of wonder and appreciate life's joys, I find myself struggling. This brings me to the crux of what I want to share today - my observations and experiences with the lingering effects of dengue.
After extensive online research, I've tentatively self-diagnosed with Post Viral Fatigue Syndrome (PVFS). While my symptoms aren't severe enough to completely disrupt my daily activities, they've noticeably impacted my ability to function at my pre-dengue levels - physically, mentally, and socially. The symptoms I've identified include:
- Unrefreshing sleep
- Sore throat
- Unfamiliar types of headaches
- Post-exertion malaise
- Cognitive difficulties (especially with memory and attention)
- Widespread muscle and joint pain
- Mental and physical exhaustion
- Mild stress or depression
Given that these symptoms are manageable and don't severely impair my day-to-day functioning, I prefer to label this as Post Viral Depression rather than Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). From my research, the exact cause remains unknown, but several studies suggest that viral infections like dengue can trigger the condition. Other potential causes include certain bacteria, immune system issues, hormonal imbalances, psychiatric problems, genetic predisposition, and traumatic events.
The most challenging aspect, in my experience, is the vicious cycle it creates. The associated anxiety and mood disorders make me feel ill, and feeling ill, in turn, increases my stress. Interestingly, some of my colleagues who also contracted dengue don't report experiencing significant fatigue symptoms beyond the acute phase of infection and hospitalization.
A study conducted by the Department of Medicine at Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore in February 2008 examined the incidence and factors associated with post-dengue fatigue. Their findings, based on a two-month follow-up of serologically confirmed dengue patients, revealed that increased age, female sex, the presence of chills, and the absence of rashes were significantly associated with the development of post-dengue fatigue.
According to www.epid.gov.lk, during the last 8 months of 2015, 18,830 suspected dengue cases were reported in Sri Lanka, with nearly 50% occurring in the Western province. The fourth week of 2015 saw the highest number of cases - coinciding with my own infection. Many of my colleagues from the Gampaha district have experienced dengue at some point in their lives.
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| Photo Credit : ipsnews.net |
Despite efforts by Sri Lanka's Health Ministry to prevent dengue and raise public awareness through websites like www.dengue.lk and www.dengue.health.gov.lk, and funding from the European Community's Seventh Framework Programme (www.denguetools.net), we seem to lack the necessary level of awareness. The prevention methods employed in Sri Lanka appear ineffective and unreliable. Street posters and hospital handouts are insufficient to combat dengue effectively.
The government should implement and strictly enforce policies on housing and property maintenance in polluted and densely populated areas. Our drainage system, essential for flood prevention in urban areas, is nearly a century old and poorly maintained. Local businesses should be responsible for managing local drainage networks, while individual property owners should maintain drainage systems on their properties.
If we don't elect a government that rigorously enforces these measures, instead of merely discussing price reductions on goods or playing the race/ethnic card to win elections, we risk becoming a nation of fools.
In conclusion, while the effects of dengue can be long-lasting and challenging, it's crucial that we as individuals and as a society take proactive steps to combat this disease. Only through increased awareness, improved infrastructure, and responsible governance can we hope to reduce the impact of dengue on our lives and our nation.
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