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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. 

img_3601-copy

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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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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