GSK takes action against dengue with (Paracetamol) Calpol®

“Dengue is a worldwide health issue. Based on WHO records, there have been 100 million dengue cases recorded and 5 percent resulted in death,” points out Department of Health Undersecretary Dr. Eric Tayag.

Manila, 29 August 2014 -Do you know that the most dangerous animal bite in the world is also the most common and often go unnoticed?

Caused by the deadliest insect in the world, the Aedes aegypti mosquito, dengue is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world and is more rampant in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines.

Dengue affects more children than adults, with kids one to nine years old as the most vulnerable victims because of their predilection to mosquito bites. In some regions, dengue has reached epidemic proportions.

Unite Against Dengue

GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol, joins forces with the Department of Health and the Philippine Pediatric Society in spearheading a campaign called “Aksyon Laban sa Dengue: A Dengue Fever Awareness and Education Program” as well as a Barangay Caravan that will bring dengue fever awareness efforts to the grassroots level.

The World Health Organization has recommended Paracetamol as the preferred and only recommended analgesic treatment for Dengue Fever. Aspirin or ibuprofen is not advised as these drugs may aggravate bleeding.

Calpol^®, a product of GSK, contains Paracetamol specially designed to offer effective relief from the discomforts of pain and fever among children. Calpol^® also has the broad suitability associated with standard paracetamol so you can be assured that it won’t harm your child when used as directed.

“Last year, the DOH recorded 204,906 dengue cases resulting in 660 deaths while in 2014, there have been 24,900 cases which have resulted in 100 deaths,” Dr. Tayag added.

Dengue continues to spread due to globalization, urbanization, climate change, increasing population, pollution problems, inadequate mosquito control and lack of community support to fight this disease.

“But the truth is, dengue can be prevented and stopped. The important thing is to know the facts about the disease,” said Dr. Tayag.

Managing Dengue

Dengue is serious and potentially fatal. Quick and accurate detection is needed to arrest this disease.

“Dengue is a clever and cunning disease,” declares Dr. Sally Gatchalian, secretary of the Philippine Pediatric Society. “It can disguise itself as other diseases. So, during the rainy season, which is when we usually see an increase of dengue cases, it is important to be on the lookout for fever that is at least of two days duration”.

Aside from fever, other signs and symptoms of dengue include headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, muscle and joint aches, rashes, and bleeding manifestations. If any of these symptoms are present, the patient must seek their doctor’s advice immediately.

 “While there is no specific medicine to cure Dengue, we can, however, alleviate the pain felt by the child by at least managing their fever, like giving them Paracetamol Calpol which provides soothing fever relief you can rely on, ” says Jeofrey Yulo, GM of GSK consumer health care. “When a child has fever, they feel weaker and lack the energy to enjoy life. So when fever strikes, it’s like they are putting their life on hold. In these times, you need a reliable partner to help provide a feeling of ginhawa that your sick child needs.”

Engaging the Barangays

Eliminating dengue must be a community effort. One such remarkable initiative is the partnership of the DOH, the PPS and GlaxoSmithKline, maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol which targets selected barangays within Metro Manila with identified high cases of dengue incidence.

The DOH will initially be facilitating the training of health practitioners to discuss new dengue incidence and disease trends as well as updates on its prevention and treatment guidelines. The PPS health committee will then cascade these dengue modules based on DOH guidelines with the selected barangays. On its part, GSK will be bringing doctors to these areas to lead the Dengue information campaign to help Filipinos protect their families and loved ones from this deadly menace.

“You can protect your loved ones by knowing more about this debilitating disease, its prevention and management. At the onset of dengue-related symptoms immediately seek the advice of your family physician. In cases of fever, (paracetamol) Calpol^®  is the Filipino mom’s partner in providing effective , soothing fever relief that is suitable for children.” adds Yulo.  “And because nothing works faster on fever than the Paracetamol in Calpol^®, you are assured of your child going back to his normal, playful self again”.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.  For more information about (Paracetamol) Calpol^®, and its Dengue campaign, visit www.calpol.com.ph  or like on Facebook at //facebook.com/CalpolPH