Construyendo buenos ciudadanos con buenas prácticas en salud: dengue e influenza AH1N1 en Cali, Colombia

This article explores the relationship between the biological dimension of diseases and self-care practices or “healthy behaviors.” Its central question examines how a seemingly biological phenomenon creates certain “good” health practices, supporting the idea of disease as a socio-cultural issue rather than a mere biological fact. The current study is based on a research project focusing on two diseases, dengue and H1N1 influenza A, undertaken in Cali, Colombia during 2009 and 2010. An examination of the relevance that these two diseases have acquired shows how biology and self-care practices are closely related.