Regular readers may remember, back in September 2009, I came down with Dengue Fever. I am over it now, but it’s a rough row to hoe. About 5% of those who contract Dengue die from it. If you don’t die, sometimes you almost wish you would because you feel so terrible.
Some of you may not really know what Dengue is. It is a tropical disease which you get from a mosquito bite, much like Malaria. Actually, there are similarities between Dengue and Malaria, but there is also a big difference. If you get Malaria you can be treated for with pills cheap doxycycline that. With Dengue there is no treatment. Oh, there are unproven herbal treatments. You can make a tea from the leaves of a weed called Tawa Tawa, and a few other such treatments. But, there is no treatment for the disease which is known to be medically effective.
Dengue fever takes all of your energy away. Even just getting out of bed, or standing up from your chair can be a very physically demanding task if you have Dengue. The other thing about Dengue is that the affects are with you for a long, long time. It can take months for the disease to completely pass, and you start to regain your energy. It has been 5 months since I got Dengue, and only recently am I starting to feel back to normal.
This article, though, is not specifically about Dengue Fever. What I am writing about today is taking care of your health in the Philippines.
You see, getting any kind of affliction here can seem to linger in your body for a long time. Even if you go to a doctor for treatment, sometimes it can be very difficult to kick a bug here.
Sometimes I will run across an expat friend and he has a cold, maybe he is coughing up mucous and such. I’ll ask if he is feeling OK, and he will say “Oh, it’s just a cold… No big deal.” But, a few months later, and I see the guy again. Still coughing, only worse now than a few months ago! “You still feeling sick, or is this new?” I ask him. “I just can’t seem to kick it, I’ve been to the doctor!”
This is what I am talking about.
For some reason, maybe it’s the weather, maybe it’s the fact that we face a different strain of germs here than we did back home, even the most simple of sicknesses can be quite difficult to overcome if you are in the Philippines. Respiratory problems seem to be the most troublesome. Of course, in most parts of the country, it’s dusty, dirty, and your lungs don’t tend to like that. If you are walking down the street, the dirty smoke is often bellowing from the Jeepneys as they pass, and you are breathing all of that crud right into your lungs. Too much of this, and your lungs start to reject it, and you are laid up and quite sick.
How do you stop this? Well, often you can’t. For example, if it comes to Dengue, if you get bit by the wrong mosquito… zap! You have Dengue! But, if you are going to be in a mosquito prone area (around a lot of still water, etc.) you can be sure to wear some kind of mosquito repellent, but you still are not 100% protected. The mosquito might still bite you, or there will certainly be some places on your body where you did not apply the repellent. What about the respiratory problems? My best advice is to keep your body strong, so that your immune system can knock these problems out easily. If you allow your system to become weak, your body won’t have the strength to fight off even these minor irritations, and soon you will find yourself in a serious health crisis.
The precautions are simple, and well known. Remember all that stuff that your mom used to tell you when you were a kid? That’s the stuff I’m talking about:
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Get your exercise, don’t be lazy
- Eat a healthy diet
- Get the proper amount of rest
- If you feel a bit of illness, take care of yourself
These are very simple straightforward things, but they might also save your life.
When I first got Dengue last year, I thought I had a cold. I tried to just fight through it. I still went out and did my regular activities. I kept this up for several weeks until I finally could do it no more, and was mostly just laid up in bed for a long time! Perhaps if I had taken care of myself when I first started feeling symptoms, I would have been able to get over it more quickly.
So, do as I say, not as I did last year! Take care of yourself! Listen to what your body is telling you! Don’t over do it!
Here’s to a healthy lifestyle!
Any idea how you got dengue?
Hi Tom – Actually, there is only one way to get it – a mosquito bite! I feel pretty certain that I got it while I was on a trip to Dinagat Island. When I got home, I got the symptoms about 2 or 3 days later.
Hello Bob;
Very sound advice, I find that I tend to take my health a little for granted; I still go in for a yearly physical, (which is one of my few good habits LOL) which I recommend for all of us living here or anywhere for that matter. It’s not like we can’t afford it. You article is a good reminded of the importance’s of a little preventive maintenance on these old tired bodies. (Well mine anyway).
Hi Paul – You’re doing better than me if you go for a yearly physical! 😉 Keep it up, my friend!
Hi Bob;
Well the Navy started me on the yearly deal, but the Merchant Marine was the real one to getting me to follow the yearly physical plan. The U.S. Coast Guard requires all U.S. Seaman have a physical prior to going to sea, some years you could go on 3 different ships. With a complete check up, each time, it just became a habit. The finger waves, not so much fun.
Another strange (yet I thought was good) Coast Guard rule was any DUI charge in the U.S. was cause to lose your Z-Card (Sailing Document) forever! That will teach you that taxi’s are a wonderful conveyance, as unemployment is not so good.
Hi Paul – It certainly is a good habit to get into!
Hey, I like that policy about the DUI’s! I had a younger sister who was killed by a drunk driver, so I have no sympathy for anybody who drives drunk!
I got the Dengue the third week I was here. After I read about it, I Figured where I got it. It has a one week incubation period, usually get it in warm moist areas, and a party of people where the mosquitos go on a biting frenzy.
One week before I got weak from the Dengue, I was at an outside party on a rainy warm night, down in Marbel.
If a newcomer will just read a few articles on Dengue, it can be avoided. From what I read, even though you have a few mosquitos around the house, your risk at home is slight.
Because of all the unknown bugs and things here, one of the first things I did when moving into my house was to get an exterminator to spray my house. I wasn’t even sure about some of those little spiders running around.
Hi Kenneth – Nice to hear from you! Good to see you for coffee the other day too! Yeah, Dengue is no fun at all. Indeed, it can usually be avoided, and I recommend that heartily! 😆
Hows the current trend in Davao for Dengue Bob? I worry for my kids, a 10 yr old and 18 month old!
Hi brian- I don’t know any official statistics, but from just anecdotal information, it would seem to me that there was a lot of dengue in Davao in 2009. Use mosquito repellent on the kids, that’s the best way to stop it! Put some on yourself too, if you want to avoid the hell! 😉
Bob: Of the health concerns with Juanito, dengue is the only one that really worries me, especially in the province (not so much in Manila). In Teens to Middle age, usually not fatal (Though you may wish you were dead). In very old and very young, it can be really deadly.
Mosquito nets and Repellant galore up there… I may get a bug zapper, too. Prevention and free entertainment value.
Hi John – It certainly is no fun at all having Dengue. As you said, even if you don’t die, you might wish you did! Ha ha…. seriously, though, with repellent, nets and such, it can certainly be avoided.
Yeah, a mosquito zapper would be fun, even just the entertainment value alone would be worth the price! 😉
My wife and neighbor lady told me after I got bit 25 times one evening, outside chatting with them, “You don’t get Dengue from Night time mosquitos, only the daytime ones can give it to you… I thought Huh? Well, they should know. Any comments on this??
Hi lenny – Yes, I have actually written about this a number of times. The mosquitoes that bite during the day give you dengue. Night biters and day biters are two different types of mosquitoes. The ones that bite at night won’t give you dengue.
Hi Bob,
Nice article. Juramie told me the same thing about the morning mosquitoes. It would seem wise to take extra precautions at that time of day.
There seems to be a big problem with dengue in Tagbubunga now and she has heard of kids getting sick. We have a friend whose son is very sick in the hospital in Ormoc. Juramie said something about killing the mosquitoes with smoke bombs over the river.
Hi Jack – Dengue is certainly no fun, I can assure you of that! 😉 Just to be clear, you can get Dengue from a mosquito bite any time that it is daylight, not only in the morning!
I wonder if those units which attract mosquitoes with CO2 from an lpg tank then trap them would be effective? There were a number of cases of West Nile every year when we lived in DFW. A whole cottage industry sprang up installing misters and those CO2 traps. The problem is protected 100% of the time plus the percentage of bites that actually transmit the disease has got to be very low. Don’t wish any of it on anybody…
Hi Gary – Hmm… I have never seen or even heard of the CO2 units that you mention. I lived in some fairly mosquito prone areas of the USA too (Louisiana for one), and they had no such thing that I am aware of. Is it technology that came to be within the past 10 years?
Hey Bob, yes I think they are fairly new contraptions, not sure how well they work but they sound intriguing – here’s an example http://www.mosquitocontroltrap.com/skeetervac
Thanks for sharing that, Gary. I have never heard of them before! Amazing how you totally miss out on things when you live in another part of the world!
From what I have read about Dengue, the mosquitoes that carry it are found in urban and less populated areas and they are around day and night. Malaria mosquitoes are not as common in urban areas and not usually around in the daytime. Under the advice of a travel doctor here in the USA, when I visit The Philippines it is recomended to take a malaria preventative. The one I have used is known as ” Malerone ” and I start taking them a few days before arrival to Philippines and a few days after I get home. Unfortunately these pills are expensive, like $10 per pill and the dosage is one pill every 24 hours ! These pills however are Not a preventative for Dengue Feever and nothing exists for that now although research for some kind of preventative continues. I am sure pills for that will not be a low cost item either.
When visiting in The Philippines I always bring an ample supply of ” Off ” brand Deep Woods formula insect repellent containing 25% Deet. This is available in a pump spray container so it can be carried in checked luggage, Aerosol cans are no longer allowed on aircraft. I make sure I really douse myself with the stuff before going outside.
I did not notice many mosquitoes in Iligan or Cagayan De Oro. I did not go into any wooded forest type areas and stuck mostly to the urban areas.
Here in the New York City area and the suburbs we have some mosquitoes that carry ” West Nile Virus ” which I think has many similarities to Dengue Feever. I don’t stay outside at night during the summer months here like I used to many years ago. With so many safety concerns plaguing the world these days such a small thing like the mosquitoe can be easily overlooked.
Hi Bob – I also rarely see mosquitoes around Davao, or in most places that I go to around the Philippines. They rarely bug me at all, which kind of lulls you into a false sense of security. But, you never know when that one mosquito will come along that will be the one that gives you some disease like Dengue! You are a wise man for using that OFF repellent!
Bob, I have a question for you and your readers.
First, I’m a retired (at a young age, 52) American. I have lived in Davao for going on three months now. I have my issues with this place at times, but all-in-all, it’s been a great experience and I’m getting quite comfortable here. I’m usually pretty upbeat and have lived in many locations around the world as a member of the U. S. Military. I can usually adjust to any environment with relative ease and am still adjusting to Davao. So far, all is good.
Here’s my question:
I take several medications for a medical ailment and have no problem finding the medications, but what Pharmacy do I TRUST to fill my prescriptions? I have been using Mercury Drugs and they actually came highly recommended by my Cardiologist here (even over the Pharmacy in his hospital), but they are also much more expensive.
I have seen advertisements from The Generics Pharmacy in the newspaper. We have several of these Pharmacies here in Davao. They are not always located in the best neighborhoods and my wife fears that some drugs might be fakes or “pirated” as she calls them. The prices on generics are better, but are the meds any good?
If anyone out there has had any experience with The Generics Pharmacy or ANY Pharmacies for that matter; I would be interested in hearing your comments.
Thanks for your informative articles.
Steve in Davao
Hi Steve – My family has been using The Generics Pharmacy almost exclusively for almost a year now. Only medications that are not available at The Generics Pharmacy are purchased elsewhere.
I hear a lot of people worry that the drugs might be fake. Think about this, though… I have medications that I wold pay P30 per pill for at Mercury or at some other “name brand” pharmacy. These same medications cost only a few pesos per pill at The Generics Pharmacy. Would somebody go to the trouble of pirating something that is only going to sell for 2 or 3 pesos? Probably not. It’s more likely that they will pirate a pill that will sell for P30 than one that will sell for P2 or 3!
Since using drugs from The Generics Pharmacy for nearly a year, I can say that I am feeling well, have had no ill effects from the generics meds, and I really patronize the Generics Pharmacy every chance I can.
I wrote an article about The Generics Pharmacy back in July of 2009. You might want to read it, if you missed it when it first came out.
Hi Steve,
I have no personal experience of The Generics Pharmacy,one good reason for that,is i have no need to take medications.
However,most pharmaceuticals that are faked,are Brand names,so if taking Brand names,always buy from a reputable resource.
regards Chas.
Bob, thanks for helping me sort this out. You make a goog point and I will be shopping the Generics pharmacy next week. Thanks.
Great site!!
Steve in Davao
Hi Steve – Happy to help, my friend. You are in Davao? Since you said you have only been here a few months, I doubt that we’ve met yet. If you see me around town, be sure to say hi!
I’m glad you like the site! It’s a big effort, but I also find it rewarding!
I would highly doubt that The Generics Pharmacy would knowingly sell fake or pirated product. They are a franchise and chain operation like McDonalds and Jollibee. If they became known for selling counterfit, pirated or fake drugs they would loose more than they could ever profit by selling them.
I wonder if they have a generic equivalent of ” Malerone ” malaria preventative ( 250mg antovaquone / 100mg proguanil hydrochloride ) ? Those cost me $10 each here in the USA and I usually buy about $200 worth each time I come and visit The Philippines.
If Generics are available there, there are a lot of things I could do with the money saved. There is a Generics Pharmacy in the Gaisano Mall in Iligan. I will have to check it out on the next visit. Fortunately, I don’t have to take any kind of regular medications.
Hi Bob – The Generics Pharmacy lists the drugs they have on their website. I just went and checked, they don’t have an equivalent to Malerone. That doesn’t surprise me, because Malaria is not an issue in the Philippines… your doctor, unfortunately, seems to be mis-informed on that. Malaria is probably as rare in the Philippines as it is there in New York! 😉
I will second Bobs comment,malaria cases are extremely low in Phils.
Dengue Fever is a far bigger threat.
Over the years,i’ve done a reasonable ammount of research on this.
The last figures i saw on the actual reported cases of Malaria in Phils are 0.05%,if my memory serves me well that was dated in 2007.
Malaria carrying mossies are nowadays mostly found in Jungle and highly forested areas,and mostly active at night.
I never take Malaria preventative medication on visits,but always use a good repellant.
regards Chas.
Hi Bob,
I apologise for my late reply,but i have been busy trying to get started on writing a new book.
I am very pleased to hear that you have finally recovered from your bout of Dengue fever.
You raise some good points on keeping healthy in Phils.
I feel its important for retired expats to have some interests or hobbies to while away their retirement.
To many retirees end up drinking and smoking excessively out of pure boredom,after leading busy work lives.
regards Chas.
Hi chas – When it comes to having hobbies and things to keep you busy, I could not agree with you more. That is very important!
Remember that day when you came for breakfast at my house? That was when I first felt the very severe effects of the dengue! I will always associate you with my dengue, chas! 😉 Just kidding…
Ha Ha thanks,yes i will probably always connect that with our first meeting LOL.
Bob, Thanks, I’ll say Hi when we meet. I was reading your site prior to coming over, so looking forward to meeting you.
I’ve been past your place many times. It was pointed out to me by a friend here. Nice house! Anyway, see you around!
Steve
Hi Steve – Ha ha…. maybe I should get my house put on the tourist map! 😆 Just kidding… a lot of people tell me that, though… “somebody showed me where your house is… I always pass by there.” 😉
Yeah, it’s a nice house, and we like this neighborhood. In fact, we used to live in the house right next door!
Hi Bob,
As I have told you, I have been here twice before. I have never been sick. I have been here the third time for 11 days and two days ago I came down with LBM (Montezumah’s Revenge to you North Americans) – another thing to watch out for! Seems to be clearing up, but that can also set you back on your ass for awhile. Maybe you can comment on sources for this problem as I have no idea where I got it.
Hi John – I’m certainly no expert, but also am not surprised that you’ve been visited with a bout of LBM. I think that anytime your stomach is introduced to a drastic change in food, water or anything like that, which naturally comes with traveling, you are likely to get that. It will pass, my friend!