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Wednesday, December 17, 2003
Flu epidemic unlikely in RP: DOH
By Miko Santos
THE Fujian strain of Influenza A is not a new virus in the Philippines and is not likely to cause an epidemic, the Department of Health (DOH) said.
Health Sec. Manuel Dayrit gave this assurance amid Fujian influenza outbreaks in the United States and European countries, particularly Finland, France, Norway, Spain and Portugal, and predictions that the countries to be hit next will be in Asia, particularly Hong Kong.
Dayrit said the weather in the Philippines and in temperate countries are different, which is why an epidemic in the Philippines is not likely.
"It is cold now in these countries, and even if the temperature in the Philippines would drop, it is still generally warm," Dayrit said.
Dayrit said the main defenses against flu are covering one's mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing and avoiding people exhibiting flu symptoms, especially in crowded places.
Dayrit suggested getting plenty of rest and drinking lots of fluids.
The DOH Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), based on its influenza surveillance system, recorded 80 influenza cases this year, 25 of which were found caused by the Fujian viral strain.
But all those who came down with Fujian influenza recovered.
The Fujian strain was first identified in the Philippines in December 2002.
(December 17, 2003 issue)
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