Dengue fever is a disease transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Due to its easy transmission, anyone can contract dengue fever, including children, adults, and the elderly.

However, the elderly are at a higher risk of experiencing severe complications from dengue fever. Numerous studies have shown that older adults face a higher mortality rate from dengue fever compared to younger populations.

Why Are the Elderly Vulnerable to Dengue Fever Complications?

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of dengue fever complications in the elderly, with age and a weakened immune system being the most significant.

As individuals age, their immune system naturally weakens, making the body less efficient at combating infections, including the dengue virus. This diminished immune response can exacerbate systemic inflammation, worsening the symptoms of dengue fever in elderly individuals.

Moreover, many elderly people have comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, kidney problems, or heart disease, which can complicate dengue fever. These underlying conditions can exacerbate the severity of dengue and increase the risk of complications such as organ failure.

The symptoms of dengue fever in the elderly are often less distinct and more difficult to recognize than in younger patients. Older individuals may not exhibit the typical high fever or rash commonly seen in dengue fever, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Complications of Dengue Fever in the Elderly

In elderly individuals, dengue fever can lead to more serious complications and often requires more intensive medical care. Some of the risks include:

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF)

Elderly individuals with dengue fever are at higher risk of developing dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), a more severe form of the disease. This occurs when there is significant leakage of blood plasma, leading to more intense symptoms. Common signs of DHF include high fever, nosebleeds, bleeding under the skin, gum bleeding, liver enlargement, and circulatory failure.

Dengue Shock Syndrome

Dengue shock syndrome occurs when the body's fluid volume suddenly drops due to leakage from blood vessels. The elderly are more prone to dengue shock syndrome because their blood vessels tend to be more fragile due to aging, as well as the presence of comorbidities like hypertension.

Organ Failure

Organ failure is another severe complication of dengue fever in the elderly, often affecting multiple organs such as the liver, kidneys, and heart. Elderly individuals with diminished organ function are at greater risk of experiencing organ failure.

Higher Risk of Death

Studies have consistently shown that the elderly face a higher mortality rate from dengue fever compared to younger individuals. This is attributed to factors such as delayed diagnosis, weakened immunity, and complications from underlying health conditions.

Given the increased risk of complications, dengue fever in the elderly requires urgent and attentive care. An additional preventive measure to consider is the dengue vaccine, which can help reduce the likelihood of severe dengue. However, it's crucial to consult a doctor before considering vaccination.

For further inquiries or concerns, you can consult a healthcare professional through the consultation service on the Ai Care app, available for download from the App Store or Play Store.

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