Sunday April 3rd 2016: I'm exercising; it's good for one's mental and physical wellbeing. And now getting older I'm losing muscle tone; loose skinny arms. The last routine sit-ups, I experience pain in both knees and only complete one set of eight. It's the hot dry season in Cebu, and when finished exercising, sweat floods my eyes. After a cold shower, I rest in my air con room, and suffer an irritating back itch all day. Everybody complains about the heat, blaming El Nino, this year most certainly hotter than last.

Next morning, I notice a pinkish rash on both inner arms and ask my neighbour to inspect my back and take a few pics. She confirms a red rash on my back and asks do I suffer allergies? No!

After stripping down the bed and fumigating the room, perhaps insects or bugs cause the rash, I take rest with the air con on. My temperature escalates but never into a real bad fever. I drink only water for the next few days and take Ciprofloxacin. No food at all, I'm not hungry.

Come Wednesday I'm suffering joint and muscle pain, my temperature still up, but the bed never wet from excessive sweat. The rash and itch not improving, I research the internet and discover a site with photos of many skin rashes. I find mine, Dengue Fever.

My friend Ben, another Aussie expat was hospitalised last September with Dengue and described his symptoms.

Excruciating headaches, especially behind the eyes, forced him to seek medical treatment. (Not me.)

High fever, constant sweating. (Partially me.)

Severe joint and muscular pain. (Yes me, painful but not severe.)

Bleeding gums. (Not me.) Thank goodness because this I discover on the internet is very serious.

Very low platelet blood count. (I should get a test.)

Ben never mentioned a rash.

I email Ben.

On 7 Apr 2016, at 11:13 AM:

Hello Mate

I've been scarce lately. Pretty sure now it is dengue but mild compared to you.

Did you get a red rash on your back and ARMS? A bit itchy.

The muscular pain is the worst thing for me ... no heaDACHES.

aND BRAIN MORE LETHARGIC

Tks

Date: Thu, 7 Apr 2016 16:07:33 +0800

Hi mate,

No I did not get the rash. But there are apparently 5 different strains of dengue. So rash in itself is not a defining symptom on its own but it is a symptom combined with sore muscles, fever, headaches. But if in doubt get a simple blood check best to catch it early before you end up in hospital. That's was my stupidity putting up with the symptoms for too long. Male pride I guess.

Regards

On 7 Apr 2016, at 4:20 PM:

Hello Ben

I've got the sore muscles and joints last night, no headaches or any other pain. Tues had elevated temp but no big sweats.

See how I feel tomorrow.

Have a beer for me ...

Thanks

Ben soon replied, I suspect from the bar.

I'll have more than two for you mate. Cheers!

Remember if it continues best get blood test and sorted early, as left to late, hospital cost me over 20000 peso.

Regards