|
Saturday, December 13, 2003
DOH checks spread of flu virus
MANILA -- The Department of Health (DOH) is closely monitoring the spread of a flu virus called "Fujian H3M2" after 25 persons were found infected.
DOH Secretary Manuel Dayrit said they have already monitored 25 cases, but assured the case is not alarming.
"It's a known virus that we had isolated before," Dayrit said in a television interview.
Fujian H3M2 virus manifests the same signs and symptoms as that of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (Sars).
An infected person will suffer fever, coughing and severe colds, and pneumonia.
According to Dayrit a technical working group is already monitoring all types of flu in the country.
Health officials advise the public to observe proper and regular washing of hands to avoid infection.
Dayrit said the best remedy for those who are infected with the virus is to "rest and don't spread the virus."
Dr. Bernard Rivera, DOH program coordinator for infectious diseases, said children aged 11-16 years may be vulnerable to a new strain of the flu virus called the Fujian H3M2.
Health officials were alarmed, following its spread in 24 states in the United States.
The Washington Post reported Friday that flu cases are widespread in at least 24 states, with US government buying more doses of vaccine against the virus.
Most states reporting widespread flu activity are in the West, but the worst of the flu season appears to be moving eastward.
Doctors' offices, clinics and hospitals in many parts of the country are reporting a flood of sick people and worried parents. Some places have closed schools because of the large number of sick children.
In addition, most of those who have gotten sick have been struck by a new, unanticipated strain of the virus. The Fujian strain comes from a family of viruses that are typically more virulent.
Federal officials cautioned, however, that it is too early to tell whether there will be more deaths this year, especially among young people or children, than in previous years.
Fast facts about Fujian flu
Q. What is the flu?
A. A respiratory system infection caused by viruses. Symptoms include headaches, dry cough, muscle aches and fatigue along with possible congestion and sore throat. Fevers are also common.
Q. Is the flu contagious?
A. Yes. The virus is spread from person-to-person. Adults can be contagious for three to seven days after symptoms start; children can pass the virus for longer.
Q. How do you treat the flu?
A. Since the flu is a virus, antibiotics don't cure it. Infected people should rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol and tobacco.
Q. Who should get a flu vaccine?
A. Those at high risk of severe illness include people older than 65, children 6 to 23 months old, adults and children with chronic health conditions and women more than 3 months pregnant.
Q. How effective is the vaccine?
A. Health officials select three virus strains for each year's vaccines based on activity from the previous year. The strains chosen this year don't match the strain causing illness in the U.S. so far, but officials say the vaccine still provides some cross-protection.
Q. Can you get the flu even after getting vaccinated?
A. Yes. Protection depends on the person's age and health and the match between the virus strain in the vaccine and the strain circulating. But you can't get the flu from a flu shot, since the viruses in the vaccine are inactive.Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(December 13, 2003 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
|
|
 |
| click
to comment on this article or discuss it with other readers |
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
US, Britain issue advisory on RP's street crime