According to the Department of Health (DOH)’s report, the Philippines has an average of 185,008 cases of dengue over a five year period of 2012-2016, and an average death count of 732. Meanwhile, according to the World Health Organization (WHO)’s recent data, as of April 29, a total of 39,947 dengue cases were recorded in 2023. Compared to the same period in 2022, this number is 43 percent higher. Children between ages five and nine years old made up almost half of the fatalities in the 2019 Philippine dengue virus outbreak.
(Image by Thanh Hue Dao)
Although there is no cure for dengue, the disease can be managed early and there are many ways to prevent getting infected by it. Since the virus originates from the bite of a dengue-carrying mosquito, it is also advisable to take preventive measures to keep mosquitoes away from your home. To keep you protected against dengue, here are some easy tips from Watsons.
1. Remove standing water around your house where mosquitoes could lay eggs. Cover and change the water in any storage containers. Make sure to repair any cracks or gaps in pipes or septic tanks. 2. Use an insect spray made to kill mosquitoes in areas where they rest. Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture, carports, or garages. 3. Prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by installing or repairing window and door screens. Do not leave doors propped open. 4. To also protect yourself from other potential disease-carrying insects, insect repellent lotions and patches provide a safe and skin-friendly repellant that you can have on your person. These work great for traveling or when you’re outside frequently. 5. Putting small drops of citronella essential oil around your home is a stylish and a more organic way to keep your home safe from disease-carrying insects. It’s also safe to apply on your skin! 6. After being exposed to harsh weather changes or when we work ourselves beyond what our body can handle, getting sick can’t be avoided. If you start getting headaches or body pains, or you’re starting to feel a fever setting in, paracetamol is your friend. 7. The rainy season brings various illnesses so make sure you stock up on Ambroxol and some lozenges as well to combat colds and coughs. Ambroxol clears congestion in respiratory diseases because it thins down and breaks up phlegm. Meanwhile lozenges relieve sore throat, throat irritation, and also help with cough relief. Watsons offers more medicines, vitamins, and supplements that can help build immunity. More discounts and exclusive offers await n the Watsons [app](https://www.watsons.com.ph/).
(Image by Thanh Hue Dao)
Although there is no cure for dengue, the disease can be managed early and there are many ways to prevent getting infected by it. Since the virus originates from the bite of a dengue-carrying mosquito, it is also advisable to take preventive measures to keep mosquitoes away from your home. To keep you protected against dengue, here are some easy tips from Watsons.
1. Remove standing water around your house where mosquitoes could lay eggs. Cover and change the water in any storage containers. Make sure to repair any cracks or gaps in pipes or septic tanks. 2. Use an insect spray made to kill mosquitoes in areas where they rest. Mosquitoes rest in dark, humid areas like under patio furniture, carports, or garages. 3. Prevent mosquitoes from entering your home by installing or repairing window and door screens. Do not leave doors propped open. 4. To also protect yourself from other potential disease-carrying insects, insect repellent lotions and patches provide a safe and skin-friendly repellant that you can have on your person. These work great for traveling or when you’re outside frequently. 5. Putting small drops of citronella essential oil around your home is a stylish and a more organic way to keep your home safe from disease-carrying insects. It’s also safe to apply on your skin! 6. After being exposed to harsh weather changes or when we work ourselves beyond what our body can handle, getting sick can’t be avoided. If you start getting headaches or body pains, or you’re starting to feel a fever setting in, paracetamol is your friend. 7. The rainy season brings various illnesses so make sure you stock up on Ambroxol and some lozenges as well to combat colds and coughs. Ambroxol clears congestion in respiratory diseases because it thins down and breaks up phlegm. Meanwhile lozenges relieve sore throat, throat irritation, and also help with cough relief. Watsons offers more medicines, vitamins, and supplements that can help build immunity. More discounts and exclusive offers await n the Watsons [app](https://www.watsons.com.ph/).