Paracetamol Calpol helps fight against Dengue

When I was still working at a tertiary hospital in Manila, one of my colleagues was admitted for Dengue Type 3, she was black and blue and unconscious for 2 days with an on and off fever. We thought were going to lose her. She got blood transfusion, Paracetamol every 4 hours, and the doctor had her platelet count checked every 4 hours or so.  I remember her mother praying,  gave spongebath and stayed throughout the confinement. I could still picture her in that hospital bed, skin scaled to ashen gray, with blue nail beds, blue lips,  2 IVs were hooked and unconscious. We prayed for her recovery, after days, and bags of blood, her platelet went to normal,  She was released from hospital, after her condition became stable with a 37 temperature. We became aware of dengue and its complications and we dont want that dreaded disease to happen to any of our family members.

Dengue fever is the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne disease in the world and is more rampant in countries with tropical climates like the Philippines. Especially now that the rainy season is upon us.

GlaxoSmithKline, one of the world’s leading research-based pharmaceutical and healthcare companies and maker of doctor-recommended Paracetamol Calpol, joined 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” and Barangay Caravan  last August 29, 2014 at Makati Shangri-la, Manila. Hosted by Suzi Entrata-Abrera.

Dr, Sally Gatchalian, Secretary of the Philippine Pediatric Society, told the media of what to do in cases of dengue. self protection measures were observed. If there is a persistent fever of two days duration, one should seek medical attention. Have lots of fluid intake. Take Calpol paracetamol for kids and Panadol tablet for adults. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, as these drugs may trigger bleeding.  Say no to indiscriminate fogging. If one had contacted dengue, there is always a possibility of second episode. Take extra precautions of second episode, as this will be the worst especially when patient vomitted blood, according to Dr. Gatchalian.  Always have Paracetamol like Calpol for kids and Panadol for adults at the comfort of your house.

The World Health Organization has recommended Paracetamol as the preferred and only recommended analgesic treatment for Dengue Fever.

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.

“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.

“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.

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.”



The DOH enagaged with selected barangays in  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 http://facebook.com/CalpolPH .