'Super flu' not detected in PH—DOH
The new flu virus currently spreading in the US and Europe has not yet been detected in the Philippines.
"Wala pa tayong natatala [na kasong flu]. Walang dahilan para mag-panic," said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa during an interview with Cheryl Cosim for One Balita Pilipinas on Dec. 29.
According to Herbosa, Influenza A H3N1 Subclade K is presently affecting the U.S., the U.K., and other parts of Europe.
Like other acute respiratory illnesses, Subclade K has flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, cough and cold, body aches, headaches, shivering, and intense fatigue. The virus is airborne.
The reason people have been referring to it as a "super flu" is that it has mutated into a virus that can avoid the antibodies provided by flu vaccines.
Preventive measures
To stay on top of a possible outbreak in the Philippines, DOH, through the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, conducts random testing of flu cases to determine which flu variants are in the country.
"Ang takot ko lang, siyempre, may mga nagtatravel, nagpupunta ng northern hemisphere...na puwedeng mag-uwi ng virus na 'yan," Herbosa said.
Those most at risk are senior citizens and patients with comorbidities, including those with cancer or undergoing dialysis.
"Sila 'yung magiging serious 'pag na-infect nitong mga influenza bugs na ito. Kung ikaw ay bata, most likely, magkakasakit ka [for] a few days, pagkatapos, babawi na, magaling ka na ulit," said Herbosa.
"Kung kayo ay may ubo, may sipon, maglagi na lang sa bahay. At kung uubo, sisinga, kailangan cough etiquette. I-cover niyo 'yung face niyo at 'wag kayong pumunta sa mga public na...mall, kainan, o kaya sa party," Herbosa added.
The key, continued Herbosa, is to keep any virus from spreading. If you come down with a fever, have a cough or cold, or are generally not feeling well, "magkulong sa bahay, wear a mask, especially if there are elderly people at home," he advised.
Generally, flu symptoms can be treated at home. But if the patient is elderly or has comorbidities, Herbosa recommended hospital confinement to battle the virus and possible complications.
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any questions you may have.
