In line with the celebration of the World Blood Donor Day last Tuesday, June 14, 2022, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) collected 3,563 blood units from simultaneous mobile and in-house blood donation activities nationwide.
The blood donors, undaunted by the uptick in COVID-19 cases in the National Capital Region (NCR), enthusiastically participated in the PRC blood donation programs, including personnel from the Philippine National Police-General Hospital, Resorts World Manila, and Luxent Hotel among others. The PRC strongly reminded participants to strictly observe COVID-19 health protocols as the Department of Health raised the possibility of placing the NCR under alert level 2.
“Muli akong nagpapasalamat sa lahat ng ating mga kababayan na nag-donate sa pagdiriwang natin ng World Blood Donor Day ngayong taon. Nawa’y ipagpatuloy ninyo ang pagbibigay malasakit sa pamamagitan ng ating blood donation programs upang manatiling sapat ang supply ng dugo ng Red Cross para sa mga nangangailangan,” PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon said.
For blood donation, blood requests, and other inquiries, email the PRC NBS at [email protected] or contact the PRC Blood Call Center which may be reached nationwide by dialing 143.
The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) warned the public of dengue fever risk and gave advice on how it can be prevented as the country observes Dengue Awareness Month in June.
The PRC Health Services explained that dengue fever is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that causes a severe flu-like illness. It can progress into two life-threatening conditions: dengue hemorrhagic fever and dengue shock syndrome. The virus that causes dengue is passed on to humans from animals through the bite of an infected mosquito.
The symptoms are sudden onset of high fever, which may last from 2 to 7 days; joint and muscle pain and pain behind the eyes; weakness; skin rashes; nose bleeding when fever starts to subside; abdominal pain; vomiting of coffee-colored matter; dark-colored stools; and difficulty of breathing.
PRC reminds the public of the 4 Ss to prevent dengue:
Search and Destroy: Cover water drums and pails; Replace water in flower vases once a week; Clean gutters of leaves and debris; Collect and dispose of all unusable tin cans, jars, bottles, and other items that can collect and hold water.
Self-Protection Measures: Wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt; Use mosquito repellent every day.
Seek Early Consultation: Consult the doctors immediately if fever persists after 2 days and rashes appear.
Say Yes to Fogging when there is an impending outbreak or a hotspot.
The PRC Health Services gives the following advice: If medicine for fever will be given, do not give aspirin. Ensure a person suspected of having dengue is well hydrated. If fever or symptoms persist for 2 or more days, bring the patient to the nearest hospital.
