OCTOBER is the start of the flu season and is expected to peak from January to February when the temperature drops.
This year, the flu season is in a more complicated situation due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. The Covid-19 and influenza have signs and symptoms that may be similar to one another.
Signs and symptoms of flu are fever of at least 38 degrees Celsius, headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough or other respiratory manifestations, and may or may not have muscle or joint pains.
Meanwhile, the most common symptoms of Covid-19 are fever, tiredness and dry cough. Some patients may experience aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat or diarrhea. Patients usually have mild symptoms that start gradually. While most patients recover without needing any special treatment. Only around 1 of 6 patients manifest with difficulty breathing and become seriously ill.
"Tinuod nga challenge nato na karon nga naa ta'y flu season. Usa kini nga nakita nato nga naa'y parehas nga simtomas nga parehas satong Covid-19. Labaw na katong ginatawag nato nga influenza-like symptoms (it is challenging for us to detect Covid-19 considering we are in the flu season. Covid-19 has flu-like symptoms)," Department of Health-Davao Region (DOH-Davao) Director Dr. Annabelle Yumang said.
Hence, with the onset of the flu season and the ongoing rainy season, Dabawenyos are urged to be more careful and take care of themselves more.
This means that we have to take all the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
We can start by eating healthier by adding more fruits and vegetables to our diets. A nutritious diet can help boost our immune system.
If you start to feel sick, especially when you start to cough or sneeze, the best thing you can do is isolate yourself and stay at home. This is to protect other people from catching the flu.
However, Yumang urges individuals with the flu to not take the sickness lightly. Though it may be the flu, patients are still advised to wear a facemask, observe social distancing, and regular handwashing with soap and water.
Amid a pandemic, it is crucial that we take much needed precautions to avoid getting sick and having to go to the hospital or clinic.
While it can be scary to go to a hospital, reaching out to your physician at the early stages of the flu would be a smart decision to ensure that you get early medical interventions.
Amid the flu season, let’s take extra precautions in taking care of ourselves and our loved ones.