Among the more prevalent diseases in the Philippines is dengue, a virus spread by infected mosquitoes, found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide. It affects tens of thousands in the country annually, which may sometimes lead to death in more severe cases.
Urban and semi-urban areas are breeding grounds for mosquitos carrying the virus. Anyone who’s in such places can be at risk of severe dengue. The varieties or types of mosquitoes that spread this disease usually also carry other viruses like zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. They are found and breed near still water, like water storage tanks, wells, and old car tires.
Ways to prevent Dengue
The best way to prevent dengue is to make your surroundings conducive enough to lessen your chances of being bitten by mosquitoes. Here are some ways how you and your loved ones can steer clear of the disease:
- Wear loose but protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts, trousers, socks, and shoes. Tuck your shirt when possible. Mosquitoes can bite through tight-fitting clothing.
- Sleep under a secure mosquito net.
- Use insect repellent. Products containing 50% DEET, the active ingredient in repellent products, are the most effective. Lower strengths of 15 to 30% should be used on children while DEET alternatives should be used on children younger than two months.
The Department of Health (DOH) also shared an enhanced “4S” strategy that you and your local community can do to avoid dengue:
- Search and destroy breeding sites. Cover water drums, clear gutters of leaves, and dispose of items that collect and hold water.
- Secure self-protection measures such as wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts and the daily use of mosquito repellent.
- Seek early consultation. If the fever persists after two days and rashes start to appear, consult your doctor immediately.
- Support fogging or spraying in hotspot areas that have a registered increase in cases for two consecutive weeks to prevent an outbreak.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Health Services also explained that dengue fever causes a severe flu-like illness, which can progress into two life-threatening conditions: dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. Here are the symptoms of dengue fever:
- Sudden onset of high fever, which may last from two to seven days
- Joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes
- Physical weakness
- Skin rashes
- Nose bleeding when fever starts to subside
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting of coffee-colored matter
- Dark-colored stools
- Difficulty breathing
Safeguard yourself and your loved ones, not just from dengue but from pandemic diseases and other common illnesses. You can do so by ensuring that you have an insurance plan with essential health coverage.
AXA Philippines, for one, offers health insurance plans suited to your budget, needs, and preferences, giving you immediate protection and coverage for you and your family in case of emergencies, sudden illness or hospitalization and allows you to focus on you and your family’s recovery.
We hope this information about dengue and health insurance in the Philippines help you and your family remain safe and protected this season.
Know you can game plan your way to a healthier you with AXA Philippines’ health insurance products. Contact an AXA financial advisor today to learn more.
