Expanded Immunization Program (EPI), door-to-door campaigns and
several information drives, the Department of Health (DOH) has
implemented a thorough immunization program against the measles early
this year. Addressing its alarming spread in January, DOH’s
vaccination program tried containing the contagious disease that has
already killed 13 individuals as early as March this year. According
to DOH data released in April, these were seen in Taguig, Zamboanga,
Davao and Negros Oriental. Because of the air-borne characteristics
of the virus, it is quicker to spread as seen in the several
provinces affected by the disease.
DOH
has already recorded 723 hospitalizations because of lab-confirmed
measles. Unfortunately, measles is not the only disease that could
spread like wildfire and result to hospitalizations. At the start of
the rainy season, the DOH has warned the public of several diseases
that could be experienced. Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue,
bacterial infections such as leptospirosis and viral infections like
influenza are just some of the illnesses expected to surface this
season.
Among
these diseases, the most common is influenza which, when left
undiagnosed and untreated, can increase the risk of hospitalization
or worse, turn into a life-threatening disease that can claim lives.
As the DOH has recorded more than 40,000 emerging influenza-like
illness in its report published last April, the agency continues to
warn the public of the circulating influenza virus that can develop
into severe flu.
Flu is
more than the commonly experienced cold, cough and high fever. It can
be graver with nausea and severe joint and muscular pains. These
symptoms may already lead to complications such as bacterial
pneumonia and multiple organ dysfunction. Unfortunately, flu is
especially dangerous for high-risk individuals who are suffering from
pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular
diseases, kidney problems and HIV.
Luckily,
just like measles, flu is a vaccine- preventable disease. Medical
experts recommend the public to get their yearly vaccination. Aside
from the DOH, Philippine Foundation for vaccination (PFV) is also
campaigning for the public to follow the immunization schedules that
can help avoid starting an outbreak.
According
to them, flu shot should be given yearly to both infants and adults.
Parents can already protect their kids from the disease as early as 6
months. With their bodies also susceptible to flu virus, adults are
also encouraged to get their shots. High-risk patients and elders who
have weaker immunity are strongly advised to be vaccinated against
flu.
The
measles outbreak is a wake-up call for Filipinos to not take common
diseases for granted. Vaccination may save more lives than reactive
medication, and it may be high time to visit your physician.
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