It’s that time of year! Mosquito season is upon us. For most of us, a mosquito bite is a simple annoyance. It itches for a day or two, then goes away.
But not everyone is this lucky.
This is especially true for vulnerable populations, like the elderly who are already more susceptible to illness.
Mosquitoes can carry diseases, like West Nile Virus. These things can make even the healthiest individual seriously ill. They have been known to cause death in people with weakened immune symptoms at times. Unfortunately, the senior population as a whole tends to fit into this category. Over time, our immune systems weaken naturally. Compound this with the fact that a lot of seniors are also battling other illnesses, don’t get as much exercise as they once did, and don’t sleep like they once did, and a scenario is created where seniors are a lot more likely than younger folk when it comes to a mosquito bite.
Some people have more severe reactions to mosquito bites than others. Even the young can be impacted. My middle child (age 11) is allergic to mosquitos and runs a fever every time he’s bitten. We often need to use Benadryl to help get his symptoms under control. Luckily, it’s never been more severe for him than this. Not every younger person reacts this way. And not every single elderly person will have a severe reaction to a mosquito bite. But some will. If you know that your loved one is more susceptible, than you should be taking steps to protecting them.
Bug spray can help, but not everyone likes using chemicals. Natural solutions can include netting, citronella, and avoiding perfumes and deodorants. If possible, you should limit the amount of standing water on your property to discourage mosquito breeding. Wear long sleeves and pants when outside in buggy areas to try and limit the amount of bites that you might get while enjoying the outdoors.
If you are concerned about a loved one and mosquito bites, here are some of the warning signs to look out for that could indicate that something more than a simple mosquito bite is going on. These include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Numbness or paralysis
- Stiffness
- Loss or vision
- Tremors
If you or a loved one, regardless of age, experience any of these things after a mosquito bite, get in touch with a medical professional right away. It might not be indicative of a serious illness, but it’s always better to be safer than sorry. This is good advice for any medical scenario that you are uncertain of.
Each person is different, with different needs and goals. Mosquito bites might not be a big deal for me, but I know I need to take every precaution when it comes to protecting my son.
Your loved one’s care should be different, too. If you’re unsure of where to start, let us know. We can help navigate what makes you and your family different, and help show how in-home care might be able to match up with those unique needs.
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