One morning I woke up feeling sore all over my body, that each movement causes great muscle pain. It was a Thursday and I needed to get up early for work. Sadly, the body refuses to cooperate with the mind.

To make the story short, I was absent and forgot all about the office chores for the day. The bed was so inviting it accommodated me the whole day my head so heavy, getting up only for regular meals, food which were surprisingly bland for my taste buds.

Flu. Is there a way not to acquire it? Or was it a flu?

The following day, I forced myself to go to work, even if I know I'd be a mere silhouette in the corner, where the sofa is conveniently located for short naps.

After work, I knew it was time to have myself checked. Went to the ER of a nearby hospital, told those on duty about how I felt: fever that comes and goes, nausea, headache. So I had some tests, urinalysis, cbc, etc. etc. After a while, the results came out and I was told my blood platelets are low. Confirmed. It was not an ordinary flu.

The had my arm banded or their term, tourniquet. I watched as my arm turned pale to red to blue, fighting the urge to snap it out. After 5 minutes, they removed it, and slowly, blood resumed flowing, my color returning. But there's more. Red, tiny rashes sprouted like mushrooms all over my arms. Yes, it was dengue. I am still cussing that damn mosquito.

Doctor said I must be confined. I refused (so many things to consider like my baby and work). Signed a waiver and was told to take lots of water and paracetamol and go back the next morning for follow-up check ups. It was late when I got home and broke the news to my sis and her husband.

Next day saw it starting with set of blood tests again. Had to drop by the chapel while waiting for the results. Platelets have increased, according to the results, but had to maintain paracetamol and more fluid intake. My officemate brought an herb and gave it to me. It is locally called tawa-tawa, a weed. I boiled it and made it like my regular water. It tasted icky, but endurance is a virtue. lol

The next morning, I went for  tests again and thank God, blood platelets have gone back to normal. So no more need to go back in the morning anymore. I was told to observe changes in me, like excessive bleeding or pain in the abdomen. If so, I should go back to the hospital. Luckily, symptoms have not manifested, a week after that horrowing experience.

I am finally back on my feet, even without being confined.

Since June is rainy season here in the Philippines, dengue fever surely shoots up. I never thought I'd become a victim one day, not after having attended seminars on it. But no one is spared. We need to take extra care.