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THE most likely game changer

Discussion in 'COVID-19' started by Notmyrealname, Mar 26, 2020.

  1. OP
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    Notmyrealname

    Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    I've viewed life, certainly since studying microbiology, as a battle between us and the many exterior 'enemies' ready to attack us at every opportunity - thinking of myself as a castle. I also have lived through the time of potential obliteration due to nuclear weapons - but these tiny little b*ggers, the viruses etc, are the ones we should have feared the most.

    We have natural defences (our skin (the castle walls), enzymes on the inner surfaces, white blood cells (and the antibodies they produce), the chemicals we make, such as interferon, etc.) and have developed man-made things to help us (vaccines, antivirals, antibiotics (not for viruses, of course), other chemicals which interfere with pathogens, etc) but the planet can be laid low by an object so small it can be seen only with an electron microscope!

    Unfortunately, as with other illnesses, the products which sometimes are provided to cure us can also kill us - they used to use arsenic as a 'cure' in past times.

    We have also seen that with all the technology we have, we are still 'smaller' than viruses themselves. They can overwhelm us. We are lucky, THIS TIME, that the coronavirus seems not to have a high lethal rate - it is looking like 2% of infected cases (but over a whole population with asymptomatic infections included, that might be much lower).

    For all the billions spent on nuclear defence (which I accept is necessary) we really have not spent the money to prepare adequately for diseases such as the current one - and it has cost us financially in a huge way. After the crisis is over there will be much analysis and I am hoping a better preparedness for the NEXT one - because there definitely will be another one.

    In the current crisis the only thing we can do is to take care of ourselves and our family - pull up the drawbridge, wear the best armour you have available. In that way, during this scary time, you reduce your risk from maybe 90% (guess) to perhaps 0.001% (another guess).
     
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    Notmyrealname

    Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    I am sure everyone here wishes you all the best.
     
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    Notmyrealname

    Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    I have been reading a little more about dengue fever: As you will know, there are FOUR different types (strains) of the virus (another source says five). Infection with one will give lifetime immunity to that strain (I don't think anyone can say that is 100%, but I assume it is close). After infection with one strain an infection with any different strain is more dangerous (you appear to know that and I am not trying to scare you) - BUT I have read of people in that position (as you are) might benefit from having a vaccine. Has your doctor discussed that with you? There is conflicting information on it - sometimes a decision like that is based on relative risks.

    I am sure you are aware that preventing stagnant water in your area is very important.

    In some cases a person may have to examine risks and decide upon courses of action which otherwise they might not have taken - such as relocation. For example, to another country where dengue does not exist or, less dramatically, to parts of the Philippines where it is less common.
     
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  4. jimeve

    jimeve DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer Veteran Army

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    Not sure if the dengue vaccine is available in the Philippines! I have considered moving to a less dengue location, again not sure where!
     
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  5. Jack Peterson

    Jack Peterson DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster SC Connoisseur Veteran Air Force

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    BOLTON. UK Laugh icon.jpg Kidding mate or?
     
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    jimeve DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer Veteran Army

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    UK is out of the question, has to be in the Philippines. According to the nurses and doctors at SUMC, Bacong is a hotspot for Dengue.
     
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  7. Jack Peterson

    Jack Peterson DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster SC Connoisseur Veteran Air Force

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    Then come up to JUNOB no cases in 5 years, nor Valencia I understand
     
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    Notmyrealname

    Notmyrealname DI Forum Luminary Highly Rated Poster Showcase Reviewer

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    As you are aware, with vector-borne diseases (those carried from one host (e.g. human) to another host (another human)) by a different species (e.g. mosquito)) cannot spread if conditions are not correct for the vector itself.

    Thus in the UK, for example, there is no malaria because the mosquito vector cannot live in the climate there, even though some other types of mosquito can. The concern is that/if as climate changes, the vector will move in and malaria would become a problem (maybe dengue also, but I don't know about that).

    Thus, it seems that cooler conditions do not favour the mosquito - applied to the Philippines, @Jack Peterson has suggested Junob and Valencia to be less prone and at higher altitudes they would be cooler places than Bacong. I read that "mosquitoes that can spread dengue usually live in places below 6,500 feet. The chances of getting dengue from mosquitoes living above that altitude are very low". Of course, even Valencia is not that high up!

    But you still have to visit Dumaguete to shop, eat out (and enjoy the multitude of cultural events!).

    I looked at countries where the risk for dengue is low (not totally absent but termed 'sporadic/uncertain') and, with my knowledge of Visa and other residency issues in many countries, it seems Uruguay would be a possible choice.

    Another factor is 'chance' - how unlucky to get dengue once (although many of us may already have had a mild infection), how more unlucky to get it twice. But 'chance' is a lottery and you will be thinking of something more based on certainty to protect yourself.
     
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