Allied Against Dengue: A Movement to Defeat Dengue

It’s the rainy season again.  The season most commonly associated with a lot of sickness, including the dreaded Dengue fever.  As a tropical country, The Philippines is one of the many countries where Dengue is prevalent.  Last year, a total of 200,415 Filipinos were reported to have acquired Dengue fever.  

What is Dengue?

Dengue fever is a virus caused by the bite of a female Aedes Aegypti mosquito during daytime.  There are 4 types of dengue virus which means you can acquire dengue 4 times!

What are the Symptoms of Dengue?

Here are some of the symptoms of Dengue.  You do not need to experience all symptoms, and a manifestation of just 2 symptoms should be enough reason to go to your doctor.

·         High continuous fever that lasts 2-7 days

·         Bleeding of nose and/or gums

·         Nausea/vomiting

·         Skin flushing (rashes)

·         Loss of appetite

What Can We Do At Home?

Not all patients who tested positive for Dengue virus needs to be confined.  Some just needs to stay home and rest.  Do take note of the following:

·         No medicine or antibiotic can treat Dengue

·         Bed rest and lots of fluid intake

·         For fever, give paracetamol (the safest).  Avoid Aspirin or NSAIDS (Ibuprofen).

How Can We Avoid Dengue?

The Department of Health suggests 4S:

·         Search and Destroy – change water in vases, clean your roof’s drain, clean the inside and outside of pails and other water receptacles, ensure that no water is left in dish holders, cover all reservoirs, and overturn all receptacles used for storing water.

·         Say “No” to indiscriminate fogging – say “Yes” only during outbreak or epidemic.

·         Seek immediate consultation – consult a doctor immediately after 2 days if fever does not improve.

·         Self-protection measures – check out my blog suggestion about this.

Thus, the Allied Against Dengue Movement was born.  It was launched last July 12, 2016 in the Philippines and its main purpose is to unite efforts to take action and defeat Dengue.  GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Philippines Inc had join forces with our government together with several private sectors to take this initiative.  Allied Against Dengue Philippines includes in their roster: The Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Pharmacists Association, Inc (PPHA), GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Philippines Inc, Mercury Drug Corporation (MDC), SmartParenting.com, and CNN Philippines.

Proud Allies Against Dengue representatives.

Allied Against Dengue is focused to empower healthcare providers, public and private organizations and communities to reduce the impact of dengue.  Initial steps are already in place such as having more than 1,200 healthcare providers (including doctors, pharmacists, and general practitioners) to help educate the patients and consumers.  Also, 50,000 DOH primers will be distributed to public schools to increase awareness. 

DOH Primer to be distributed to public schools.

As a mom, the health of my family has always been on top of my priority.  And I vow to always make sure to help my community to fight this dreaded disease.  I am Nerisa Nunag and I’m a proud Ally Against Dengue!

  

I am Nerisa Nunag and I’m a proud Ally Against Dengue!