Flu alert up amid Sinulog feast
-A A +ASunday, January 20, 2013
MANILA-- THE Department of Health (DOH) called on the public to practice social distancing as much as possible in order to avoid getting the flu virus especially during jampacked festivals like the Sinulog.
“Social distancing: No beso beso, No mano nang Kamay, No hugs #FightTheFlu,” said DOH spokesman Dr. Eric Tayag in his official Twitter account (@erictayagSays).
“Social distancing means avoid overcrowded places, No handshakes #FightTheFlu,” he added.
Millions of people gathered in week-long festivities in Cebu in honor of the Sto.Niño, the child image of Jesus Christ.
The DOH official said the warning comes as the flu virus could be easily transmitted through person-to-person encounters. Flu cases also shot up at this time of the year because of cold weather brought by the northeast monsoon.
“You get #flu after exposure to a person infected with flu #FightTheFlu,” said Tayag. “#flu spreads from person to person thru droplet infection #FightTheFlu.”
He added that people most vulnerable to the flu virus include young children, pregnant women, older persons, and those with existing health conditions.
Common flu symptoms include fever, sore throat, cough, and runny nose. (HDT/Sunnex)
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