Binat is a local Filipino term which directly translates to “relapse.” It occurs when someone is recovering from illness but gets sick again shortly after or even during the recovery period. It usually comes as one or a combination of symptoms: headache, body pain, fever, etc.
Have you ever gotten sick and heard someone tell you, “Magpahinga ka muna at baka ma-binat ka”? Filipino families are likely people are familiar with this word. Binat is a local Filipino term which translates to “relapse.” In Cebuano it is called Bughat.
Binat or bughat occurs when someone is recovering from illness but gets sick again shortly after or even during the recovery period. It usually comes as one or a combination of symptoms: headache, body pain, fever, etc. So why does it happen and how can we address it when it does?
What triggers binat?
Daily stress and exposure to free radicals like pollution and other illnesses put you at risk of having a weak immune system; therefore, making you susceptible to getting sick or even prolonging sickness by what we describe as binat.
Another trigger stems from a belief that some women who have undergone childbirth, may have experienced distress in the body, thus resulting in binat or in this case, weakness in the body and exhaustion.
Though triggers may be different, the symptoms presented are the same.
What are the symptoms?
Did you come from sickness but woke up today with a sudden headache? Are you warm to the touch and you feel achy all over? You must be experiencing binat.
It can come in the form of these symptoms:
- Headache
- Body Pain
- Fever
If you have fever, it is an indicator of a compromised immune system and is caused by a combination of internal and environmental factors. A human being’s usual body temperature may vary on the individual and other external elements, but the normal temperature is usually at 37°C. You may be suffering from a fever if you have a temperature of 38°C and above. Other symptoms can also manifest like:
- Body pain
- Chills
- Sweating
- Dehydration
- Irritability
For new mothers, childbirth may be a possible cause of fever. Postpartum recovery is a delicate process that requires extra care and attention from your loved ones. Immediately consult your doctor if you are experiencing fever along with the usual side effects of recovering from giving birth.
It is always good to have a thermometer in your emergency medicine kit at home to get an accurate measurement. It is also recommended that you check your temperature every now and then to monitor your recovery.
What can be used as treatment?
You will feel weak and uncomfortable when you are suffering from binat and its symptoms, so it’s important that you get some rest and drink plenty of fluids. It is also advised that those who are suffering from a fever isolate themselves from healthy members of the household to avoid possible transmission. Other practical tips to alleviate symptoms include:
- Adapt a soft food diet
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Take paracetamol to help alleviate symptoms
- Apply damp cloths to your forehead
- Avoid physical exertion
What is Rexidol?
A combination of paracetamol and caffeine, Rexidol Forte is used for the relief of mild to moderate pain including headaches, menstrual cramps, muscular aches, and pain associated with the common cold or flu. Each tablet contains paracetamol—a known fever reducer and pain reliever, and caffeine which prolongs and enhances the effect of paracetamol in pain relief. The combination of paracetamol and caffeine addresses symptoms of binat and possible reoccurrence of its symptoms. Rexidol is available at all leading drugstores nationwide at Php5.00 per tablet.
ASC Ref. U057P092220RS
General disclaimer
Always buy your medicine from your trusted drugstores and retailers. Keep in mind that your doctor will always be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice. For suspected undesirable drug reaction, seek medical attention immediately and report to the FDA at www.fda.gov.ph and UNILAB, Inc. at UNILAB-1 or productsafety@unilab.com.ph.
