Fighting off the Buzz: Essential Protection Against Dengue This Rainy Season

As if on cue, the habagat season brought rains as June set in. While the rains have eased the sizzling summer heat, the wet season signals a heightened risk of dengue, as stagnant water from scattered rain showers creates ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

What You Need To Know About Dengue

Dengue is a viral infection spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes to humans. It remains a major public health concern in the Philippines year-round. During the rainy season, dengue cases often increase.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 100-400 million people are infected with dengue every year. Many people who get dengue are asymptomatic, while some can experience mild flu-like symptoms, such as high fever (40°C/104°F), body aches, headaches, rashes, swollen glands, and nausea. Symptoms can begin 4–10 days after infection and may last for 2–7 days.

A severe type of dengue fever, called dengue hemorrhagic fever, is a life-threatening medical emergency that can cause intense stomach pain, bleeding gums or nose, repeated vomiting, and tiredness. If you experience these severe symptoms, seek immediate medical care to avoid complications, such as internal bleeding, an extreme drop in blood pressure, organ failure, and even death.

With ER Guard Plus, the best prepaid emergency health card in the Philippines, you can protect your finances from emergencies. ER Guard Plus covers emergency and in-patient expenses if you need to get admitted to a hospital.

When To See a Doctor

Consult a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or observe other symptoms of dengue. A blood test can be conducted to determine if you’re infected with one of the dengue viruses. A physician will assess if hospitalization is needed to monitor the course of illness. Early detection and getting to proper medical care can prevent complications of dengue.

At present, dengue has no cure, but symptoms can be managed. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), acetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, can be taken to relieve muscle pain and fever. However, the CDC warns NOT to take ibuprofen and aspirin, as they may increase the risk of bleeding. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids with electrolytes.

Fight the Bite: Practical Tips to Prevent Dengue

The most effective way to lower your risk of dengue is to protect yourself from getting bitten by mosquitoes. Here are simple ways to stop dengue in its tracks:

Use insect repellants, such as oil, lotion, or sticker patches, to decrease the risk of mosquito bites.
Cover up by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when going outdoors.
Check out possible items around the house where mosquitoes can breed, such as flower vases, drums, pails, pet bowls, watering cans, etc. Empty and clean these containers at least once a week.
Discard unnecessary objects that can collect rainwater, such as old tires, plastic pools, and junk stored outdoors.
Inspect gutters and make sure you remove leaves and debris that might prevent water flow.
Keep your surroundings clean. Encourage neighbors to do the same. If possible, take part in bayanihan clean-up activities in your community to prevent the spread of dengue.
Explore safe mosquito control objects like electric mosquito swatters, mosquito killer lamps, and natural/chemical-free mosquito coils.

Bottomline

Dengue remains a public health concern that can affect anyone, especially during the rainy season. While there is no specific cure for this viral infection, promoting awareness and seeking timely medical care can help prevent complications. Prevention is also the best defense against dengue, including protecting yourself from mosquito bites and eliminating mosquito breeding sites in your backyard and community.

For financial protection during medical emergencies, getting an ER Guard Plus, a dependable prepaid emergency health card in the Philippines, gives you peace of mind when it matters most.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How do you get dengue?

You can get dengue when you are bitten by an infected Aedes mosquito. Dengue is not spread from person to person.

2. Does dengue always show symptoms?

No. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), not everyone infected with dengue will develop symptoms. Other people can experience mild flu-like symptoms, but some can develop more severe symptoms that require immediate medical care.

3. When should I see a doctor?

Consult a healthcare provider if you develop a fever or other symptoms of dengue. Seek emergency care if you experience severe symptoms, such as intense stomach ache, bleeding from the nose or gums, extreme tiredness, or passing blood in stool.

4. What medicines should I avoid if I have dengue?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), avoid taking aspirin, ibuprofen, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) because they can increase the risk of bleeding.

5. Can I get dengue more than once?

Yes. You get dengue more than once. People who get dengue a second time can have a higher risk of developing severe dengue.

Easy access health plan options for the Filipino community.

We know finding the right healthcare plan can be a complex and confusing task.
Our health plan specialists are always here to help 24/7.
Got more questions?