Nadine Lustre surprised to be alive after two weeks of dengue

MANILA, Philippines — Actress Nadine Lustre posted on her Instagram story that she has been diagnosed with dengue but said she is now recovering from it.

The "It's Showtime" host said since they got back from Mt. Ulap together with boyfriend James Reid and their friends, she has been really sick but she just ignored it.

“Just to give you a quick lowdown on what’s happening... Ive been really sick since we got back from the mountains, On and off fever, weakness, bruising, cold, thinking it was probably just off season for me,” she said.

She jokingly added that she is surprised that she is still alive after two weeks of ignoring it, knowing that dengue is one of the deadliest diseases if not treated early.

“Didnt really think about it too much. Fast forward. Got a check up today.. Doctor comes in and tells me it was Dengue. DMN. Im surprised Im still alive after two weeks of leaving it ignoring it.”

However, she assured her family, friends and fans that she is now getting better.

“Recovering now. Thanks everyone,” she wrote.  

According to the Department of Health:

• Dengue is the fastest growing infection in the world, and it spreads more in the Philippines because of the rainy days. Climate change may be responsible for this increasing trend.

• Dengue remains a critical threat to public health, with about 3.9 billion people in 128 countries at risk of infection with dengue viruses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the estimated annual economic burden is $40 billion.

• Ten years back, only seven countries had dengue. But starting last year, it has spread to 120 countries and has affected close to 3.4 million people globally.

• The Americas, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific Regions are the most seriously affected. The Philippines reported 176, 411 suspected cases of dengue (including 422 deaths) in 2016.

• Fifty percent of the world’s population is at risk of dengue. In Asia, in 2012, the Philippines is the number one in incidence.

• According to a study, the Philippines is among the top six Asian countries with the highest dengue cases.

• Dengue in Southeast Asia is taking shape as an epidemic that affects no longer just kids, but everyone of all ages.

• Dengue is endemic in 17 regions and 81 provinces in the Philippines, with Region 7 (Central Visayas) having the highest incidence.

• From January to July this year, all regions registered lower cases except for the National Capital Region, which had a 24.9 percent increase in cases because of the cities’ congestion that make them more susceptible as mosquito breeding grounds.

But dengue is 100-percent preventable through:

• Taking a free antigen from your nearest community clinic for the prevention of dengue.

• Taking an anti-dengue vaccination, available for free for kids 9 to 14 years old at community medical centers, particularly in the cities where it is highest (Caloocan, Quezon City, Makati, Manila). Those 9 to 14 are the most affected by the disease.

• The vaccine is also available in drug stores and pediatricians and must be taken in three doses with a six-month interval per dose. The doctor estimates that the vaccine gives protection for about five years. After five years, she recommends getting booster shots.

• Several types of targeted spraying to kill mosquitoes have been recommended by the World Health Organization. There are also now new technologies for safer vector control.

• From Day 2 to 7, the DOH now recommends going to the hospital starting at Day 1 of experiencing symptoms such as high fever, rashes, vomiting, and nausea. Monitoring a patient's fever and hydration are key to treating dengue, which still has no cure.