Experts warn public of complacency vs flu

With the Department of Health reporting rising cases of dengue—at least 20,000 are already infected with more than a hundred dead from its complications—the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) is warning of another similar health threat that could affect even more individuals, particularly schoolchildren coming into classes next week.

Dr. Benilda Galvez, president of PCP, said: “Filipinos should realize that here in the Philippines, influenza is characterized by several epidemics—wherein more cases are reported each year. A large peak occurs during the rainy season from June to September, which is when school resumes and children tend to remain in close proximity to one another. We should also prepare for this.”

The PCP is an organization acknowledged as the authority in pulmonary medicine in the country, composed of members recognized and respected experts in the field.

Galvez explained that influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.

Six feet

“Individuals with influenza can spread its virus to others up to about six feet (1.8 meters) away. Most experts think that flu viruses are spread mainly by droplets made when a person with flu coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose,” she said.

Galvez warned that most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning day one before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.

“Children may pass the virus for longer than seven days. Symptoms start one to four days after the virus enters the body. This means that the child may be able to pass on the flu to his/her household and classmates before the child knows he/she is already sick. In fact, some persons can be infected with the flu virus but have no symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others,” Galvez explained.

Single best way

The single best way to prevent seasonal influenza is to get vaccinated each year.

“While covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing may prevent those around you from getting sick or there are now prescription medications—called antiviral drugs—that can be used to treat influenza illness (they are different from antibiotics, which fight bacterial infections), these are not substitutes for getting a flu vaccine,” the doctor reminded.

Galvez clarified that while not 100 percent effective, a flu vaccine is the first and best way to prevent influenza and that antiviral drugs are second line of defense to treat and prevent the flu.

Most affected

But why should one take an influenza shot? The doctor explained that since influenza virus could easily spread in a community, there is a group of individuals who will be most affected.

“Certain people are at greater risk for serious complications if they get influenza infection. This includes older people, young children, pregnant women and people with certain health conditions (such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease), and persons who live in facilities like nursing homes. Smokers are also more at risk of getting the flu. Even healthcare workers in hospitals and other healthcare facilities can either transmit or be exposed with flu as they are in contact with patients,” she enumerated.

These highly susceptible individuals may suffer from bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions such as congestive heart failure, asthma and diabetes.

“These could result in absenteeism from work or school, if not long hospital stay or even death,” the doctor warned.

Good health habits

Even if already vaccinated, Galvez reminded that good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of the virus and could even prevent other respiratory illnesses.

“If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are already sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick, too. Stay home when you are sick. Practice other good health habits like getting plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food,” Galvez advised.

Based on the five-year epidemiologic data done by the Influenza Virus Surveillance of the Research Institute of Tropical Medicine, increased influenza activity can be observed from July to October. “It is therefore recommended that vaccination should be given once a year two to three months before the start of the influenza season (preferably from February to June). We should take a stand against influenza,” the doctor urged.

She informed that even if the pandemic influenza scare is gone or there are no news on influenza, getting the shot is important as the infection happens every year and it can affect anyone.

“The influenza virus strains in the vaccine are selected each year based on surveillance-based forecasts about what virus strains are most likely to cause illness in the coming season. Therefore, each year’s vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses expected to cause disease during that influenza season.”