New vaccine protects Pinoys from 4 strains of flu virus

A vaccine that can protect Filipinos from four strains of the flu virus is now available for the first time in the country.

The quadrivalent flu vaccine is a welcome addition as it broadens the Philippines’ ability to deal with a highly contagious viral infection of the respiratory tract.

“People think of flu as just a minor illness. In reality, flu is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death,” warns Dr. May Montellano, president of Philippine Foundation for Vaccination and a pediatric infectious disease specialist.

The fourth leading cause of illness in the country has very distinct set of symptoms compared with the common cold, according to Montellano, which includes the sudden onset of high fever combined with severe fatigue that literally drain one of energy to even get out of bed.

Montellano says: “Things could get worse for young children whose immune systems are not fully developed, frail elderly individuals and those with underlying chronic medical conditions such as heart, lung, or kidney disease, with immune system problem, diabetes, some blood diseases, or malignancy as they could quickly develop serious complications and lead to death.”

Two types of flu

The A and B are two common types of flu virus that cause seasonal epidemics of disease during the rainy season here in the Philippines. Historically, two subtypes of the A strains and one lineage of the B strains are included in the vaccine.

“Every year, the World Health Organization through its Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System selects which subtypes of the A and lineage of the B will be included in the seasonal flu vaccine,” says Montellano.

However, the B strain comes in two lineages and predicting which lineage will predominate in the upcoming season is challenging. Over the last 10 years, the predominant circulating influenza B lineage was different from the one contained in the vaccine in 50 percent of the cases.

Constantly changing

Montellano explains: “Flu viruses are constantly changing; they can change from one season to the next. The WHO must pick which viruses to include in the vaccine many months in advance in order for vaccine to be produced and delivered on time. With the quadrivalent flu vaccine, additional protection may be afforded as it increases the chance that it will match the circulating lineages of B aside from the subtypes of A.”

“An annual flu shot is your first line of defense against the virus no matter which option you choose (quadrivalent or trivalent),” Montellano reminds the public.

She says that an annual flu vaccine is a great way to ensure protection against the flu, adding that even healthy individuals are at risk of flu complications that are serious enough to land them in the hospital.

Although vaccination is the best way to fight the spread of flu infection in the whole family, school, workplace or the community, it is also wise to observe the following simple healthy habits:

• Wash hands regularly (using an alcohol-based sanitizer if soap and water are not available).

• Exercise regularly.

• Drink plenty of fluids.

• Eat a nutritious diet.

• Manage stress.

• Stay away from sick classmates or workmates as much as possible.

• Avoid crowded places, especially when flu is prevalent in the area.