Malaria & older adults: How to avoid this life-threatening illness?

Malaria is a parasite-borne disease. Mosquitoes transmit the parasite to humans when they bite them. The malaria death rate climbed significantly with age, With 4.6% fatal cases among people over 65.

People are frequently bitten by malaria-carrying insects. Therefore, elders should take measures like skilled nursing care at home. 

SYMPTOMS

●       The most frequent symptoms of malaria are muscular pains, chills, high fever, and perspiration. Coughing, fatigue, feeling sick in the stomach, nausea, and sometimes diarrhea are other common symptoms of malaria and dengue among the elderly. Malaria can cause anemia and jaundice as it develops. 

●       Malaria symptoms often occur 10 days to one month after infection. Symptoms vary according to the kind of parasite. Some seniors do not feel ill for up to a year after being bitten by a mosquito. Parasites can survive in the body for many years without creating symptoms. 

●       Some parasites may remain dormant in the liver for years before being released into circulation. When the parasites resurface, the symptoms reoccur. 

PRECAUTIONS

●       Mosquito larvae control is an excellent mosquito control strategy because it destroys mosquitos before they reach the stage when they may spread malaria.

●       Draw water out of coolers, tiny pits, and tires. They are ideal mosquito breeding grounds. It is essential to ensure that storage areas do not have any standing water. If anyone discovers this after rain, then should clean the area quickly.

●       Several senior-friendly mosquito repellent lotions and bands are available. This will keep seniors secure even while they are sitting in a garden or exercising outside.

●       This is the most basic and inefficient method to keep mosquitoes away. Seniors are most vulnerable while sleeping. Employing mosquito nets does not expose them to hazardous mosquito compounds to hurt their bodies.

●       Keep the windows firmly covered and closed. To allow fresh air to enter the house, cover the windows with nets to keep mosquitos out.

●       Oils can be sprayed on the water's surface to suffocate the larvae and slow their growth.

●       Proper treatment is important to avoid the spread. Contact a doctor right away if you have a high fever, chills, nausea, or exhaustion.

●       Take antimalarial medication before visiting endemic areas.

●       Raising mosquito fish (Gambusia) in small aquatic environments can help to reduce mosquito larvae. This is due to the fact that these fish feed on mosquito larvae. 

While Malaria, What to eat?

Maintain a Healthy Diet Plan

Eat a high-carbohydrate diet. Rice should be preferred over wheat and millet. Rice is easily digestible and releases energy quickly. Fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely beneficial to malaria victims. According to research, vitamin A and vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables such as beetroot, carrot, papaya, sweet lime, grapes, berries, lemon, and orange assist to purify and enhance the immunity of malaria patients. 

Increase Fluid Consumption

When one suffers from a fever, their hunger decreases, tolerance decreases, and eating becomes difficult. To compensate, drink glucose water, fresh fruit juices, coconut water, a sorbet consisting of lemon, salt, sugar, and water, and electoral water.

Be sure the water you're consuming has been boiled or sterilized. Consume fluids in every form you can: milkshakes, fruit and vegetable juices, rice water, pulse water, stew, soup, and so on. 

Add Proteins

High temperatures dehydrate the body and limit appetite. Protein-rich foods aid in the formation of immunological bodies, which can aid in the battle against parasites. Include fish stew, chicken soup, eggs, and grains in your diet.

For Comprehensive Care, Visit Athulya Home Healthcare.

Malaria in senior adults requires skilled nursing care at home because it is essential in the treatment of severe malaria, with special attention paid to fluid balance and the management of the terminally ill person.

Athulya home healthcare is the best in terms of efficiency, cleanliness, friendliness, and most importantly, safety. They've got promising outcomes, with many elderly people benefiting from their extraordinarily wide range of home healthcare services in Chennai.