Dengue is an acute fever caused by a virus transmitted by the bite of an Aedes Argypti mosquito. The mosquitoes are found indoors, in the closet and other dark places. Outdoors they rest in a cool and shaded areas. Contrary to popular belief, it is not only a danger during the rainy season (when eggs hatches faster), but the whole year through. The World Health Organization (WHO) says, "The female mosquitoes lay their eggs in water containers in and around the homes , and other dwellings. These eggs will develop, become larvae, and further develop into adults in about 10 days."
Incurring in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world, dengue fever is severe, flu-like illness that affects infant, young children, and adults. It spreads rapidly, and in the event of epidemic, it will affect a large number of people and eventually cause the loss of lives. Another cause for alarm: More than 2.5 billion people (or 40 percent of the world's population), including 1 billion children lives in areas where there is a risk of dengue transmission.
Dengue takes 2 forms: dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever. Although both should be taken seriously, dengue fever can be seen the lesser evil. It's symptoms includes high fever, severe headache, and pain behind the eyes, muscles and joints.
Dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), onthe other hand is a more severe form. Leading and sometimes shock occurs. It is most serious in children, it can be fatal. In addition to the symptoms of dengue fever, WHO enumerates the following symptoms of DHF:
- Severe, continuous pain in the abdomen.
- Bleeding from the nose, mouth and gum's and skin bruising.
- Frequent vomiting with or without blood .
- Black stools.
- Excessive thirst and dry mouth.
- Pale, cold skin.
- Restlessness and sleepiness
Treatment
The centers for disease control and prevention in the United States says there is no specific medication for treatment of a dengue infection. However, proper and early treatment can relieve the symptoms, and prevent complications. If you suspect dengue:
- Give analgesics (pain relievers) with paracetamol. Avoid close containing aspirin, as well as ibuprofen, since these can increase the risk of bleeding.
- Rest and plenty of fluids are also recommended.
- Even if you're not sure that it's dengue, it's best to consult a physician. A trip to the hospital is a must if vomiting and severe abdominal pain develop in the first 24 hours after the fever declines.
- For DHF, fluid replacement therapy is and option for treatment if the condition is detected early. However, this frequently require hospitalization.
Prevention:
There is only one way to avoid dengue, prevent mosquito bites, especially during the daytime when dengue mosquitoes attack. According to WHO, highest biting intensity is about 2 hours after sunrise and before sunset. Since there is no way to tell if a mosquito is carrying the dengue virus, we must keep ourselves protected from mosquito bites. Here are some tips to follow:
- Dispose or destroy containers in which water easily collects bottles, plastic bags, tins, used tires, and so on.
- Spray insecticides in your home regularly. Spray Eco-friendly and health friendly insecticide.
- Use repellent every time you head outdoors. Follow the instructions on the package you are using .
- Install screens on your windows to keep mosquitoes out.
- Outdoors, use mosquito coils which can provide up to 8-10 hours protection from mosquitoes.
- If you want convenience, opt for a liquid mosquito repellent, which can last up to 30 nights.
Health News:
Because of the increasing cases of Leptospirosis in the Philippines
Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III accompanies the World Health Organization expert team on leptospirosis control headed by Dr. Shin Young –soo (WHO Regional Director for Western Pacific) and Dr. Soe Nyunt-U (WHO Country Representative to the Phil.) during their visit on Wednesday (October 28, 2009) to flooded areas in Binan, Laguna. The team, whose members are drawn from the Global Outbreak Alerts and Response Network (GOARN), will be assisting the Philippine government by providing technical assessment and assistance in the surveillance, epidemiological and clinical care of those who fall sick from the disease. The GOARN team will cover parts of Pangasinan, Metro Manila and Southern Luzon where a heightened alert was declared after the extensive flooding caused by tropical storm Ondoy and typhoon Pepeng. The Department of Health remains on heightened alert against further outbreak of leptospirosis. As of October 27, a total of 181,932 individuals have been given prophylaxis (for NCR: Marikina-56, 426 persons; Malabon-2,364; Quezon City-25,916; Taguig-19,224; Pateros-4,116; Parañaque-12,166; Pasay-5,948; Muntinlupa-3,533; and Pasig-1,417; for Region IVA: Rizal-19,608; and Laguna-7,652. The DOH also distributed 1.8 million capsules of doxycycline.
He also warned the public not to wade in flood waters and to use protective boots in order to prevent leptospirosis, and other diseases such as typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis. Leptospirosis is usually caused by exposure to water contaminated with urine of infected animals. The disease’s signs and symptoms include high fever, severe headache, chills, muscle aches, and vomiting. In extreme cases, jaundice, abdominal pain, and kidney damage may result.
Leptospirosis’ signs and symptoms include fever, body aches, chills, and yellowing of the skin. All suspected cases are advised to seek medical consultation immediately to prevent complications.
source: http://www.doh.gov.ph/
Here in our country the cases of Influenza A (N1H1) is beginning to rise as of this moment there are 54 cases in our country this virus is spreading fast, but still many Filipinos doesn't know what is this virus and what to do in case they have it so I decided to post here the FAQ about Influenza A (N1H1) from The DOH, Lets help to spread the information about this virus to avoid the fast spreading of the virus. Spread the word not the virus. Post the Health Advisory on any, anywhere you can post it.
What is Influenza A (H1N1)?
* Influenza A(H1N1) is caused by a novel virus that resulted from the re assortment of 4 viruses from pigs, human and birds
* It is a new virus causing illness in people
* It was first detected in people in April 2009 in the United States
* This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread
* There is no vaccine yet to protect humans from this virus
* There are existing and recommended medicines that are effective in treating these Influenza A(H1N1)
* Influenza A(H1N1) can be fatal to humans due to severe respiratory distress (pneumonia)
Why this new Influenza A(H1N1) virus is sometimes called “swine flu”?
* This virus was originally referred to as “swine flu” because laboratory tests showed that many of the genes in this new virus were very similar to influenza viruses that normally occur in pigs in North America. But further study has shown that this new virus is very different from what normally circulates in North American pigs. It has two genes from flu viruses that normally circulate in pigs in Europe and Asia and avian genes and human genes. Scientists call this a “quadruple reassortant” virus.
Do pigs carry this virus and can people catch this virus from a pig?
* At this time, there is no evidence that swine in the United States are infected with this new virus. However, there are flu viruses that commonly cause outbreaks of illness in pigs. Most of the time, these viruses do not infect people, but influenza viruses can spread back and forth between pigs and people.
Are there human infections with this virus?
* Yes. Cases of human infection with this virus were first confirmed in the U.S. in Southern California and near Guadalupe Country, Texas. The outbreak intensified rapidly from that time and more and more states have been reporting cases of illness from this virus. Other countries with confirmed cases include Mexico, United States, Canada, Australia, Austria, New Zealand, Japan, Korea, China (Mainland China, Hongkong), Portugal, Poland, Guatemala, Spain, Costa Rica, Colombia, Denmark, El Salvador, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Brazil, Argentina, Panama.
Is this new virus contagious?
* Yes, Influenza A(H1N1) virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.
What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in humans?
* Similar to the symptoms of regular flu such as:
* Fever
* Headache
* Fatigue
* Muscle or joint pains
* Lack of appetite
* Runny nose
* Sore throat
* Cough
* Some cases have reported diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
How severe is illness associated with this virus?
* It is not known at this time how severe this virus will be in the general population. Experts are studying the medical histories of people who have been infected with this virus to determine whether some people may be at greater risk from infection, serious illness, or hospitalization from the virus.
How does Influenza A(H1N1) virus spread?
* Coughing or sneezing by people with influenza
* Touching things with flu viruses on it and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes
Can I get infected with Influenza A(H1N1) from eating or preparing pork?
* No, you can’t get influenza A(H1N1) by eating properly handled and thorough cooked pork and pork products
* The virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160 F/70 C.
What is the incubation period?
* 7 to 10 days from the time of exposure to the first onset of signs and symptoms
How long can an infected person spread Influenza A(H1N1) to others?
* Infected person maybe contagious from one day before they develop symptoms to up to 7 days after they get sick. Children might potentially be contagious for longer periods.
Are there medicines to treat infection with AH1N1?
* Yes. Oseltamivirr or zanamivir are the recommended drugs to treat and or prevent infection with this virus. You have to consult a doctor before using these drugs to avoid resistance.
Is there prophylaxis for the Influenza A(H1N1)?
* Yes. For further information refer to Interim Guideline # 1.
Is vaccine available to protect people from getting infected with AH1N1?
* No, at present there is no vaccine against this virus.
How can we prevent the spread of the virus?
1. Observe proper personal hygiene:
* Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
* Wash hands regularly with soap and water, at least for 20 seconds (or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers) especially after handling patients and specimen, before and after eating, after using the toilet and as necessary.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
2. Increase your body’s resistance
* Have at least 8 hours of sleep
* Be physically active
* Manage your stress
* Drink plenty of fluids
* Eat nutritious food, especially fruits and vegetables
3. Social distancing.
* Avoid crowded places.
* Avoid close contact with sick people.
* Stay home if you are sick until you are free from symptoms to prevent the spread of the virus.
What to do if somebody gets sick?
* • If there is flu like symptoms, consult the doctor immediately.
* Report to the proper health authorities .
Is there a pandemic risk on Influenza A(H1N1)?
* Yes. If the Influenza A(H1N1) establishes efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission then it can cause an influenza pandemic. The impact of a pandemic is difficult to predict. It depends on virulence of the virus, existing immunity among people, cross protection by antibodies acquired from seasonal influenza infection and host factors.
The following DOH Hospitals are designated as Referral Centers for Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases like Influenza A(H1N1):
National Referral Center
Research for Tropical Medicine (RITM)
Alabang, Muntinlupa, Metro Manila
Tel No. 809-7599
Sub-national Referral Centers
A. Luzon and Metro Manila
San Lazaro Hospital
Quiricada St., Sta. Cruz, Manila
Tel. No. (02) 732-3776 to 78
Lung Center of the Philippines
Quezon Avenue, Quezon City
Tel. No. (02) 924-6101/Fax No.:924-0707
B. Visayas
Vicente Sotto Medical Center
Cebu City
Tel. No. (032) 253-9891/254-0057
C. Mindanao
Davao Medical Center
Bajada, Davao City
Tel. No. (082) 227-2731
Satellite Referral Hospitals
Regional Hospitals/Medical Centers of 16 regions (list down the 16 regional hospitals)
Mariano Marcos Memorial Hosp. and Medical Center
Batac, Ilocos Norte
(077) 792-3144; 792-5002; 792-5051
Cagayan Valley Medical Center
Tuguegarao, Cagayan
(078) 844-3789; 844-1410; 844-0033; 0917-9356201
Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital
San Fernando, Pampanga
(045) 961-3921; 961-3380; 961-3363
Batangas Regional Hospital
Batangas City, Batangas
(043) 723-0911; 980-1743
Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital
Legaspi City, Albay
(052) 483-0016; 483-0015; 480-0635; 483-0808
Western Visayas Medical Center
Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo
(033) 321-1797; 321-0638; 321-2841
Western Visayas Regional Hospital
Bacolod City
(03) 433-2697 435-1591 loc. 241
Eastern Visayas Regional Medical Center
Magsaysay Blvd., Tacloban City
(053) 321-133; 321-3129; 321-2816; 325-8438
Zamboanga City Medical Center
Zamboanga City
(062) 991-2934
Northern Mindanao Medical Center
Cagayan de Oro City
(08822) 728-829; 723-735
(088) 858-4064
(0917) 950-4287
(0918) 534-5333
Cotabato Regional and Medical Center
Cotabato City, North Cotabato
(064) 421-2192; 421-2340 local 103
Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center
Baguio City
(074) 442-3165
Caraga Regional Hospital
Surigao City, Surigao del Norte
(086) 231-7090; 826-2459; 826-3157
Be vigilant!
If you have flu like symptoms and history of travel to Influenza A(H1N1) affected countries/areas, immediately consult a doctor.
For more information on Influenza A(H1N1), call (02) 711-1001 or 711-1002
source: www.doh.gov.ph
Typhoid fever an infectious disease, typhoid fever is caused by a bacterium called salmonella typhi. Usually occurring during the rainy season, the disease is acquired through the fecal-oral route, as when a person doesn't wash his hands properly after going to the toilet and before handling food for drinks, or through fecal contamination of food and water facilities. The symptoms of the disease are high fever (39 C to 40 C). That last several days , and diarrhea or constipation. Headache, weakness, and loss of appetite may also be felt. There is an incubation period (before symptoms developed) of 1 to 3 weeks. A diagnosis of typhoid fever depends on finding salmonella typhi in blood or stool specimens. After recovering from typhoid, carriers may continue to excrete the bacteria in their stools and infect others. How severe thpoid fever can be varies. Some people get very ill, with wide spread infection and other complication. Many recover with treatment. Without treatment, the fatality rate can go as high as 20% of reported cases. The risk of infection is higher in areas where many people are carrier, and where help conditions and ways management are poor.
The best cure for typhoid fever is not to get it at all.. Vaccines against salmonella thyphi are available to arrest the spread of the illness and possibly eradicate it in the future. The vaccines are administered either by injections or by mouth (oral). Will they guarantee protection from the bacteria? the answer is "not completely", but vaccination will ensure that your bout with typhoid fever is shorter and less severe than if you were not vaccinated. Vaccination also helps prevent spreading the condition to others. Typhoid vaccines must be given to people over 2 years old who are traveling to places where the risk of typhoid fever is high, such as rural areas with poor hygiene and unsafe drinking water, specially if they intend to stay in those places longer than a month.
Aside from vaccination, health officials advice to :
- Wash all fruits and vegetable thoroughly and peel them if possible, especially those to be eaten raw.
- Wash hands with salt and water after using the toilet, before preparing food and before eating.
- Maintain clean surroundings to prevent flies from breeding.
- Avoid street foods.
- Cook food properly and, once cooked, keep it covered to prevent flies from getting to it.
- Use chlorinated water for cooking.
- Boil drinking water for about 2-3 minutes or buy mineral bottled water.
But just because your symptoms disappear it doesn't mean you are completely free from typhoid fever, you can still be a carrier of salmonella thypi. Your illness may recurs and you may pass on the disease to others. Take the prescribe antibiotics as directed by your Doctors. Don't stop taking them even if you are feeling well. Make sure to wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly after using the bathroom, and do not prepare or serve food to members of your family or other people. Somebody who has a typhoid fever has a responsibility of helping limit it spread.
When a person catches flu or cold his or her back throat is beginning to swollen, this swollen affects the tonsil and adenoid, because of this a person experience sore throat. Another cause of sore throat is the germs called streptococcus, this germs cause’s irritation to our throat and gives the person uneasy feeling to our throat and for a while becomes sore throat. Other causes of sore throat are sinusitis, diphtheria, measles, and leukemia can be sometimes can cause sore throat.
Person’s with sore throat sometimes complain about warm and dried throat followed by chilling, fever, and laryngitis. Swollen lymph nodes are also cause of sore throat, swallowing can be painful for a person with sore throat. If the irritation of the throat reaches the air passage it can cause cold.
Many sore throats and infections are contracted from bacteria on toothbrushes which should be replaced monthly. Between uses store your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide (rinse thoroughly before using) or grapefruit seed extract to kill germs (which can also be used to gargle with.)
The uses of steam inhalation are effective in delivering relief to our sore throat, hot compress at your neck can also help subside the swollen throat, do this every night until the swollen decreases.
Take hydrogen peroxide and dilute it with water and gargle frequently. It will kill the germs in your throat. I have used it to stop a strep throat infection immediately. You may also use it to dissolve the wax in your ears and kill the bacteria. I use it undiluted to dissolve ear wax and clean out my ears.
You may also gargle with salt water.
It your doctor prescribes antibiotics for a bacterial throat infection, eat yogurt, such as
Drink a great deal of water to flush out your kidneys along with plenty of liquids. Herbal teas and fresh juices are best.
A mixture of raw honey and lemon juice will coat the throat and help kill the germs.
Extra vitamin C, garlic and honey will help fight the infection.
There are many drugs out there with medicated lozenges, commonly it is in candy type drug, and it really can help to lessen the irritation to our throat.
