Arming yourself against flu

MANILA, Philippines - As the flu epidemic sweeps across the United States — with more than 5,000 reported cases of hospitalization to date — Philippine health agencies are on the alert for the possible spread of the disease in the country. As a pre-emptive measure, the Department of Health (DOH) circulated a flu advisory to all ports of international entry, as locals run the risk of exposure to this health threat from balikbayans and tourists who are expected to arrive in the summer months. This advisory, issued by Health Secretary Enrique Ona, includes stricter measures in fever screening at international airports by the Bureau of Quarantine.    

But even with these measures in place, health experts say the risk of an epidemic remains high, since flu symptoms may not be immediately apparent and those entering the country may be carrying the virus undetected. This is why it is equally important for everyone to be on guard against flu through preventive measures.    

Doctors advise people to get enough sleep, drink plenty of fluids, eat a nutritious diet, and live a healthy lifestyle.  Doing these helps strengthen the immune system and keeps the flu virus at bay.

Stress from lack of sleep, inadequate blood waste disposal due to insufficient water intake, eating high-salt and sugar-rich food, and vices weaken the immune system. “It is a no-brainer that stress leads to sickness due to its negative impact on our immune system. To avoid stress, it is always advisable to do everything in moderation. A day is too short to do everything. So be proactive and plan in advance,” advises Dr. Eliseo Banaynal, medical director of Pascual Consumer Healthcare Corp.

He also points out that supplementing one’s daily diet with a potent vitamin C, like Poten-cee, is critical in boosting the immune system. “Vitamin C is one of the major antioxidants other than A and E. An immune system that is in tip-top shape is needed to help fight viral infections like colds and flu,” he explains.

“The whole family can benefit from adding Poten-cee to their daily regimen, because vitamin supplementation provides nutrients that we don’t necessarily get from the food we eat every day.  Supplementation also provides us with a “buffer” or a “reserve” in case our body needs more vitamins to address stress and ward off diseases,” he adds.

Although Dr. Banaynal says that typical intake of vitamin C for an average individual ranges from 250mg to 500mg a day, the dosage may increase depending on age, physical condition, and lifestyle. The requirement for vitamin C is also higher for those who smoke and drink alcohol. 

For those needing higher doses of vitamin C especially during this flu season, Dr. Banaynal recommends the 1000mg Poten-cee Forte which has a unique eight-hour time release feature. Unlike other vitamin C products that can be excreted by the body within two to three hours, Poten-cee Forte dissolves gradually in the body,  thus allowing the digestive and circulatory system to absorb more vitamin C at constant levels throughout the day.