Public warned vs flu

CEBU, Philippines - Although the influenza season in the Philippines is from July to December, the health department is calling on the public to be vigilant against the flu, which it considers “a very serious disease.”

Health Secretary Enrique T. Ona instructed the Bureau of Quarantine to intensify fever screening at the points of entry because of the flu situation in the US.

“Though there are neither travel nor trade restrictions imposed concerning the US flu situation, we must be on our guard to detect influenza cases not only at our ports and airports but also from our health facilities”, Ona said through the official website of the Department of Health.

He asks everyone to watch out for fever with sore throat or cough as these are the common signs and symptoms of influenza or ‘flu. Influenza is a viral illness that easily spreads from person to person through droplets made when one sneezes, coughs or talks.

These droplets land on the mouths or noses of others who stay close to infected or sick people. A person becomes sick two days after getting infected.

Ona said that any infected person can pass the virus to others a day before their symptoms appear or up to 5 days later while they are sick already.

“Influenza can be a very serious disease”, Ona stressed. “It can lead to hospitalization and death”. Young children, pregnant women, senior citizens and those with certain health conditions such as heart, kidney, or lung disease, can easily be seriously ill and suffer from pneumonia complications.

“To prevent flu from spreading, one who is sick should stay and recover at home as it takes only a few days before symptoms subside,” the health chief further reminded the public, adding that everyday protective measures should be observed consistently to stop viral spread like proper hand washing, cough etiquette and social distancing.

Ona also said that senior citizens can avail of the flu vaccination program in the country’s various health centers. High risk-individuals, such as those whose immune system is low, should visit their doctors immediately. — /JPM (FREEMAN)