The Department of Health (DOH) has warned the public against influenza saying its can lead to serious complications and even death.
In a television interview on Friday, DOH Undersecretary Eric Domingo said influenza is prevalent during cold months, and urged everyone to observe prevention of the disease as it involves different strains or types.
“The actual virus ay hindi iisa lang mismo, mabilis po kasi mag-mutate ang mga virus so may mga changes, halimbawa ang naging flu this year meron nang pagkakaiba sa flu last year (The actual virus is not just one, viruses mutate easily and so there are changes, for example, the flu this year is different from the flu last year),” he said.
According to the latest data from DOH, influenza cases recorded between January 1 and September 1 this year has decreased to 82,590 compared to 104,292 for the same period last year.
Despite the decrease, Domingo said the public must not belittle influenza as 15 people already died this year.
“Yung simpleng trangkaso minsan mauuwi sa komplikasyon gaya ng pulmonya, magkakaraon na ng infection na sumasama na sa buong katawan and it may lead to death (A simple influenza sometimes lead to complications like pneumonia, or an infection in the whole body, and it may lead to death),” he said.
High fever and body aches and pains are the common symptoms of influenza. People with strong immune system could easily overcome from influenza.
Domingo said babies and old people have low resistance against the disease. He said someone who is stricken with the disease needs a lot of rest, sleep, food, and water intake.
“Makakatulong din po and magpabakuna taun-taon laban sa flu (Yearly flu vaccination could also help),” he said.
Flu vaccination is free at the community health centers especially for senior citizens. Meanwhile, it may cost PHP500 to PHP1,000 in private clinics and hospitals, depending on the vaccine’s brand. (Ma. Teresa Montemayor/PNA)
