My sister, Mahlen had an ON and OFF fever for days. She thought that it's only a sign of over fatigued or flu so she just took doses of paracetamol to lower her temperature. But she experienced muscle pains and severe headache then suddenly rashes came out when her fever rapidly dropped. That's when she decided to consult a doctor and had her blood examined for possible infection of the
Dengue virus.
 |
| My sister's leg rashes |
Since the first laboratory result dated Sept 26 indicates a lower platelet count, she was not confined in the hospital. The doctor said that she may stay at home and re-hydrate or keep up oral liquid intake. Although her
NS1 was positive, the two variables below still showed negative results so there's nothing to be alarmed about. But then, she took another test the following day to monitor her platelet count. Fortunately, it raised from 182 to 186. Good enough but still required more re-hydration. The
physiological range for platelets is (150–400)×10
9per liter. Around
10
11 platelets are produced each day by an average healthy
adult.
 |
| first hematology result |
 |
| NS1 result_positive |
 |
| second hematology result |
Mahlen was able to
survive the Dengue virus but her two kids unfortunately were admitted to the
hospital because they were both positive in NS1. The deadly mosquito bit the
three of them maybe at the same time and the same place. Because of this distressing incident, my
father hurriedly reported it to our Baranggay Officials and made the necessary
resolution immediately. They conducted fumigation in the affected area.
They were confined for three days and thank God, they too fought the illness sooner than we expect. Early detection and prompt treatment indeed save their lives.
According to
World Health Organization,
Dengue is transmitted by the bite of an Aedes mosquito
infected with any one of the four dengue viruses. It occurs in tropical and
sub-tropical areas of the world. Symptoms appear 3—14 days after the infective
bite. Dengue fever is a febrile illness that affects infants, young children
and adults.
Symptoms range from a mild fever, to incapacitating high
fever, with severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint pain, and
rash. There are no specific antiviral medicines for dengue. It is important to
maintain hydration. Use of acetylsalicylic acid (e.g. aspirin) and non
steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. Ibuprofen) is not recommended.
Dengue haemorrhagic fever (fever, abdominal pain, vomiting,
bleeding) is a potentially lethal complication, affecting mainly children.
Early clinical diagnosis and careful clinical management by experienced
physicians and nurses increase survival of patients.
OMG!... You also take care sis ha... nakakatakot naman
ReplyDeleteThanks Ms Sweethestia!
DeleteYou take extra care as well.
Dengue is common now because of the frequent rains. It's better to be safe than sorry.
ReplyDeleteActually, dengue causing mosquitoes are now active any time of the day so everyone must be cautious.
DeleteEvery one should be cautious especially that they are active any time of the day. It also helps to have proper hygiene and clean surroundings.
DeleteI so hate mosquitoes if we go to other asian countries we always bring ourselves an Off mosquito spray each one of us to keep them away! xx
ReplyDeleteThat's the best thing to do if you're a frequent traveler.
Deleteevery parent is so worried when it comes to dengue, I too feel paranoid about it
ReplyDeleteWe just have to be aware of our environment and be protected always.
Deletetotoo yan pero mukhang pati mga doktor ay paranoid na rin... kasi kahit simpleng lagnat lagi na nilang pinasi-CBC ang mga bata kaya lumalaki ang bayarin sa check-up...
DeleteThat's true, minsan mga doktors would immediately conclude dengue so nadagdagan ang panic at gastusin.
DeleteThis is very alarming especially those who have children. We are lucky here because we have so many TAWA-TAWA plant in our backyards, this plant help cure dengue and TB.
ReplyDeleteTawa-tawa is very helpful as what I've heard but there's no BFAD approval yet.
DeleteYes, it is true. NO BFAD approval yet however doctors can employ various supportive measures to strengthen the body so that it can recover from the disease. Even my kids PEDIA recommend it. Kahit kunting fever yan na ang prescription niya sa amin.
DeleteLink here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYKnhrSCY8s
omy, i'm scared of this... we are going to a trip to Philippines next year... i hope my kids and I won't experience this.
ReplyDeleteBeing informed about the disease and having knowledge on how to protect you and your kids will lessen your worries. There are available patches and off lotions in supermarkets and drugstores.
DeleteI'm worried with the apartment where I stay during work days, they always leave water in the pail and when I get water from it (if it has), there are small mosquito-like insects flying out.
ReplyDeleteOnly 1 in the family has been hit by dengue fever but naagapan. He didn't get the rashes.
People should be more proactive in preventing the spread of the disease.
That's a problem. You have to keep a pail of your own with a cover.
DeleteYikes! Parents usually give their kids Ibuprufen if their sick. What if the kids has Dengue them not knowing??? :(
ReplyDeleteWhen my kid has a fever for over 24 hours,I usually give paracetamol but if it persists, I have to take him/her to the pedia.
DeleteNakakatakot naman yan, mabuti na lang wala pang ganyan na nababalita dito sa amin.
ReplyDeleteSuper scary disease. actually, whenever I see mosquitoes around, I suspected they are carriers.
DeletePrevention is always better than cure talaga, sis. :/
ReplyDeleteinformative one... keep it up
ReplyDeleteGlad that they're ok already. Dengue has become not only a seasonal disease but rather all-year round. The best thing to do now is to clean our surroundings and remove all stagnant waters.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very informative post and thank you for sharing your sister's experience. I will be sharing this post at Special Education Philippines Facebook page.
ReplyDeleteI am really allergic to mosquitoes, These insects should be eradicated to protect your health.
ReplyDeleteomg how is she now? we should be alert with the dengue signs nowadays. the number of dengue cases here in our country is rapidly increasing.
ReplyDeleteThe great news is they all recovered from the Virus infection.
ReplyDeleteTo be honest fumigation is no longer done since it probably only kills the flying mosquitos but not the eggs laying in stagnant waters and that is also a temporary solution. Removing stagnant waters in the surroundings helps a lot in eliminating the mosquitos for a longer period. And avoid going out during dusk.
ReplyDeleteThis would have to be one of the worst ailments that I went through a few years back. But I wasn't admitted to the hospital. Thank God for that.. anyway, glad to know that your sister and her kids recovered well.
ReplyDeletei remembered when my daughter got dengue... i was really worried about her. i just thank the Lord now for her recovery. glad your sister and kids recovered as well. Yahweh bless.
ReplyDeletewe reallly should be cautious with this as this could lead to death if mistaken for flu or just regular fever. Once there was a report of dengue case in your place , it is 100 % that the suspects are already roaming the area ... all possible egg laying stations should be drained and keeping the environment clean is always the best protection ...
ReplyDeletePraise God that your sister and her two kids are okay. It's more scary when kids get dengue since their immune systems are still not that strong enough.
ReplyDeleteDengue is still one of the deadliest desease in the Philippines. Mosquitos are everywhere. Thank God your sister and kids are okay now
ReplyDeleteThis is why its very important to ensure that they are protected from this deadly mosquitoes. Nakakatakot!
ReplyDeleteDengue has become a year-round threat that we cannot afford to let our guards down for this deadly disease.
ReplyDeleteYes, prevention and early detection is better than cure. Let's all take care and be aware of this sickness/virus or illness.
ReplyDeleteI experience Dengue when I was s kid. it was real big pin in the ass!
ReplyDeletegood thing your father reported the incident kagad to the barangay officials..
don't take for granted fever..especially if you don't have any focus like flu...dengue usually presents as an on and off high grade fever...visit your physician asap once you have this sign.Yahweh bless
ReplyDeleteOMG!! Dengue is really scary.. I also got a share of this. I got once hit by a dengue and it was the scariest moment of my life. Good thing, I was able to survive it.
ReplyDeleteOh, its more rampant now. I had a housemate and his got sick and positive with Dengue just last month. I wonder how he got it since we are very secured from mosquitoes in our apartment.
ReplyDeleteI was sick for 1week recently and thought it was dengue too.. Good thing im fine now :) drinking plenty of fluids really helped :) take care! :)
ReplyDeleteDengue is really scary. Lemongrass and a lot of herbs make mosquitoes go away, it would be best to plant those! :) Be safe!
ReplyDelete