Ever since my husband had dengue, I became more vigilant and cautious in protecting my family against mosquito bites. Dengue can take lives so it’s best to be aware and well-knowledgeable on how to prevent the spread and acquisition of the disease, causes, and ways to manage when one suffers from it.
Facts About Dengue:
- Dengue is the fastest spreading mosquito-borne disease caused by the deadliest insect in the world , Aedes aegypti, and is more rampant in countries with tropical climate like the Philippines.
- Dengue is serious and potentially fatal. Quick and accurate detection is needed to arrest this disease.
- Kids one to nine years old are the most vulnerable victims of dengue because they are more susceptible to mosquito bites.
- Dengue continues to spread due to globalization, urbanization, climate change, increasing population, pollution problems, inadequate mosquito control and lack of community support to fight this disease.
- Paracetamol is the preferred and only recommended analgesic treatment for Dengue Fever as recommended by the World Health Organization.
- Dengue is a worldwide health issue. Based on WHO records, there have been 100 million dengue cases recorded and 5 percent resulted in death.
- Last year, the DOH recorded 204,906 dengue cases resulting in 660 deaths while in 2014, there have been 24,900 cases which have resulted in 100 deaths.
- Dengue can be prevented and stopped. The important thing is to know the facts about the disease.
Signs and Symptoms of Dengue:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle and joint aches
- Bleeding manifestations.
Note: If any of these symptoms are present, the patient must seek their doctor’s advice immediately.
Aksyon Laban Sa Dengue Campaign: A Dengue Fever Awareness and Education Program
“Aksyon Laban sa Dengue: A Dengue Fever Awareness and Education Program” is a campaign spearheaded by GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol together with the Department of Health and the Philippine Pediatric Society. There will be a Barangay Caravan that will bring dengue fever awareness efforts to the grassroots level.
Jeoffrey Yulo GM GSK Consumer Health, Evelyn Perez DOH Infectious Diseases Committee and Dr Sally Gatchalian, PPS Secretary
“Aksyon Laban sa Dengue” caravan is set to visit barangays within Metro Manila identified with high cases of dengue incidence.
The DOH will initially be facilitating the training of health practitioners to discuss new dengue incidence and disease trends as well as updates on its prevention and treatment guidelines. The PPS health committee will then cascade these dengue modules based on DOH guidelines with the selected barangays. On its part, GSK will be bringing doctors to these areas to lead the Dengue information campaign to help Filipinos protect their families and loved ones from this deadly menace.
How To Manage Dengue Fever:
The World Health Organization has recommended Paracetamol as the preferred and only recommended analgesic treatment for Dengue Fever. Aspirin or ibuprofen is not advised as these drugs may aggravate bleeding.
Dr. Sally Gatchalian, Secretary Philippine Pediatric Society
“Dengue is a clever and cunning disease,” declares Dr. Sally Gatchalian, secretary of the Philippine Pediatric Society. “It can disguise itself as other diseases. So, during the rainy season, which is when we usually see an increase of dengue cases, it is important to be on the lookout for fever that is at least of two days duration”.
“While there is no specific medicine to cure Dengue, we can, however, alleviate the pain felt by the child by at least managing their fever, like giving them Paracetamol Calpol which provides soothing fever relief you can rely on, ” says Jeofrey Yulo, GM of GSK consumer health care. “When a child has fever, they feel weaker and lack the energy to enjoy life. So when fever strikes, it’s like they are putting their life on hold. In these times, you need a reliable partner to help provide a feeling of ginhawa that your sick child needs.”
Paracetamol is recommended by the World Health Organization as first-line treatment for dengue fever.
Calpol®, a product of GSK, contains Paracetamol specially designed to offer effective relief from the discomforts of pain and fever among children. Calpol® also has the broad suitability associated with standard paracetamol so you can be assured that it won’t harm your child when used as directed.
Doctor-recommended (Paracetamol) Calpol®, is a mom’s trusted and caring partner in providing effective fever relief for children and well-tolerated when used as directed.
“At the onset of dengue-related symptoms immediately seek the advice of your family physician. In cases of fever, (paracetamol) Calpol® is the Filipino mom’s partner in providing effective , soothing fever relief that is suitable for children.” adds Yulo. “And because nothing works faster on fever than the Paracetamol in Calpol®, you are assured of your child going back to his normal, playful self again”.