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Advocate Sponsored

8 Facts about Dengue

Before I left New York, I had to worry about encephalitis.

This was 10 years ago.

Ten years ago, my kids were much smaller, I was still a somewhat new Momma, and I worried a lot. 

When we moved to Manila. I no longer worried about encephalitis. Instead, I had to worry about Dengue. I was forever vigilant about putting mosquito repellant on the kids. Each time a new product would come out on the market, I would switch so that I could find a healthier alternative to protecting my children from this scary virus that was transmitted by mosquitoes. 

I switched from a deet laced lotion, to an all natural oil. Then when the citronella stickers came out, I switched over to that because it was even easier to protect the kids when they went out, because I would tell them to “Put on the sticker.” 

Even with all of these precautions, we have had many a dengue scare in our household. In fact almost two years ago, Nino was fighting for his life in a hospital bed in Asian when his platelet counts were so dangerously low that I was praying harder than I have every prayed before.

Nino posted this photo just before being released from the hospital. That was a scary episode for our family.

Nino posted this photo just before being released from the hospital. That was a scary episode for our family.

Not too long after that, we had another scare with Miguel. He had to be hospitalized because he was severely dehydrated and exhibiting some of the signs and symptoms that accompany this debilitating virus. Our pedia asked for him to be admitted because he was in such bad shape. Upon admission we were relieved when the test came back negative for dengue…

BUT.

What that dengue duo test ALSO told us, was that at some point, Miguel ACTUALLY had already had dengue and we didn’t know it. He tested positive for antibodies, which meant that since we didn’t know, we were extremely lucky it was a mild case. 

Last month, on October 19th, I had the opportunity to learn more about Dengue and the new groundbreaking vaccine to prevent my family members from being affected by this virus in the future.

Always wanting to learn more, I attended a press conference where Sanofi would address and answer all questions, not just about the first vaccine in the world to prevent this virus from wreaking havoc on your immune system, but also about the virus itself.

When I want to learn more about any topic, I know I will have an advantage if I consult with the experts.

When I want to learn more about any topic, I know I will have an advantage if I consult with the experts.

Turns out, I didn’t know as much about Dengue as I thought.

1) Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes who are infected with the virus.

OK. This part I knew. But hearing this again, I realized I have to pay closer attention to the areas near in our home where mosquitoes can breed and multiply. This is one of the many vital precautions I must make in Dengue prevention.

2) Dengue is no longer just a seasonal concern.

Before, we would just be concerned during the rainy season with the threat of dengue. But what I learned during this press conference is that we have to protect ourselves and our children YEAR ROUND. With global warming and climate change, our rainy season has not only shifted, it has become a little less predictable. As a momma, I need to pay attention to this. 

4) There are four serotypes of Dengue endemic to Southeast Asia.

This means that you could get dengue four times, and because of the different strains, your body will still not develop complete immunity to fighting it.

Do you know how it works when a virus is introduced into your body?

Your body produces the antibodies to fight and then when that virus is introduced again, you would already have a first line of defense and a better chance of better health. Well, it would only be after the fourth time that you would have had the antibodies for all because of the four different strains. That’s kinda scary.

So what does that mean for the Philippines?

It means that we have over 150,000 (reported) cases per year. 

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5) By the time a child is 9 years old, he or she has already been affected by dengue.

Hello! This is what happened with Miguel! It means that he was bit by a mosquito that was infected, he had mild symptoms of the virus…AND I DIDN’T KNOW.

What’s so scary about this?

Not knowing how best to care for my child leaves me feeling awfully powerless. 

I don’t want THAT feeling when it comes to raising my children up and meeting their needs.

So what does that mean for the Philippines?

It means that for every 40 cases of Dengue that occur, only ONE is reported. 

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6) Typically, the second instance (or serotype) of infection is usually the worst.

So if (usually) the first instance goes undetected, when someone is infected a second time that’s the time that you will end up in the hospital because it ends up being so severe.

In Nino’s case, he was sick for more than a week. His fever was spiking and dropping, and exhibited many of the flu like symptoms we know accompany this virus. He didn’t have an appetite, and was achy in his joints. 

You know how guys typically don’t like to go to the doctor? Well my husband is no exception. It wasn’t until his 5th day of fever spiking and subsiding that he finally agreed to go to the clinic. At that point he was already fearful it was dengue because his legs and back were so painful, he couldn’t even walk.

SIGH.

What was even more heartbreaking for him, was the fact that his Lola was already very sick at this time as well. His family was in the process of saying good bye to her, and because he was laid up in the hospital, he couldn’t even pay his respects by going to the funeral. He was just too weak.

7) There is a huge financial burden that occurs when you are struck with a severe case of dengue.

Ok. I totally knew this. I paid the hospital bill when Nino was released from Asian. But to be honest, it is not something I considered in terms of the cost for a country. The cost for people who cannot afford the care that we were blessed to have when Nino was stricken with this virus. Luckily, we could pay the bill. Luckily, we were able to afford the care that he needed. But I also know and understand that everyone is NOT as lucky. And this worries me. It worries me for all the kids who won’t get the care they need, simply because they can’t afford it.

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8) Sanofi has spent 20 years studying and researching to come up with a vaccine that will seriously reduce the instances dengue strikes the Asian Population.

Ok. So will all the precautions that I take to protect my family, I can take a more definitive stance against keeping my children (and my husband) safe. I learned through this press conference that Dengivax can be administered to children and adults between the ages of 9-45 years of age. I learned that this vaccine is administered in three doses. I also learned that the Philippine government is playing an active role together with the Department of Health in administering this vaccine to people who live in Dengue prone areas. 

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So what does that mean for my family?

After attending the press conference, I had a ton of information that I KNEW I needed to discuss with Nino how we could better take care of our family, and if we would consider this vaccine as an option for us.

If you would like to know more about the vaccine, and the strides that are being made in the prevention of this debilitating sickness check out the study by the World Health Organization by clicking here. 

 

 

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Hello and Welcome!


Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
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Creating food together is one of our love language Creating food together is one of our love languages. We flow in the kitchen. I get excited and move too fast, and she grounds me, and slows things down. We can move around one another while still staying in sync. In our own kitchen, there is music that guides us and sets the tone for the meal. Gelli would be in the mix, the boys will set the table, someone makes dessert, and maybe @manila.gent  makes a drink. 

When we prepare our table together there is so much that goes into the process and the ingredients. This mindful movement brings me so much joy when we are all together.

Even more so when we attend classes together to learn new dishes too.  @themayakitchen1 has regular classes offering cooks of all abilities to learn something new when preparing meals for for our families.

Check out my new article on @rappler for @kitchen143 where Gia and I learned from Chef @cocoyventura a few new Pinoy dishes that will definitely be on rotation for #TeamGellibean.

Link in my profile: 

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/kitchen-143-learning-lovelokal-the-maya-kitchens-cooking-classes/
Crispy Pata. Is there anything better than perfec Crispy Pata.

Is there anything better than perfectly brined crispy fried pork? 

@manila.gent and I visited @viicsrestaurantph for simple Pinoy fare that hit the spot. Admittedly, after moving here so many years ago, I took a while to warm up to this dish that is one of Nino’s (and my mom’s) favorites. But every once in a while-I won’t feel guilty about indulging in this deep fried treat.

Happy to learn that we can also order for when Mom arrives through @foodpanda_ph too!
The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their doors! @manila.gent and I were privileged to visit the hotel on Friday night with some new friends and we were both so excited to explore some new digs in Manila.

Looking forward to bringing the family back soon!
We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of ma Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of many dishes that we enjoyed during #SundayBrunch at Waterside in @solaireresort .

From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy by @lumosprojector_ph!

Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

Want to have your own #LUMOSRAYProjectoe delivered to your home? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway, too!

Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith toda I’ll be sharing a little bit about my faith today with some university students. 

I have shared my testimony with other mommas, women in our community, and parents through this platform and others. It’s always come naturally and has often ended in tears of gratitude and joy for His faithfulness and unending LOVE. 

Of course, sharing parts of myself with others who may find it helpful is a privilege. But for some reason, I am always just a little bit anxious and apprehensive right before I am about to present parts of my story.

Perhaps today, I’m anxious because the format for how I will share is a bit different, I won’t have the comforts I have gotten used to since working from home. Instead I’ll print some cue cards for myself so I can stay on task and within my given time period. 

I love the opportunity this endeavor has given me, to reflect on His presence in my life. He’s been there all along, even if I didn’t know it. I love the understanding that I can have these intimate conversations with my Creator knowing that He has plans for me. He loves me. He knows all the hairs on my head. And that He knows what I need to fulfill my purpose.

This doesn’t mean I won’t have challenges, or times when I feel broken in my life and faith. In fact, there have been many times where my faith has faltered. All of it just means that He is fortifying me through each and every lesson. He is allowing me to create a greater understanding of who I am, where I am supposed to be, and how He will get me there.

Do you share parts of your faith here?
What does that look like?

#ThoughtfulThursday #faith #thoughtful 
#sharingiscaring
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