Medical professionals are calling on the public to follow precautionary measures amid reports of a “super flu” in the country.
The Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday, January 11, that it had detected a total of 63 super flu cases in the Philippines. All of the patients have since recovered, the agency added.
The DOH also clarified that the virus is not new and should not cause public panic.
“Ang ‘super flu’ kasi, sa totoo lang, hindi naman po siya bago. Siya po ay isang variant ng tinatawag na Influenza A — iyong Influenza A, trangkaso po ‘yan sa madaling salita, matagal na pong umiikot ‘yan,” Health Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said in an interview.
“Iyon kasing pamilya ng virus na ‘yun, talagang kada taon, nagbabago sila ng anyo, maski noon pa ho. At hindi laging nagiging dahilan ito ng malalang problema,” he added.
“Kaya siya tinatawag na super flu kasi mahaba talaga ‘yung kanyang scientific name. Ako mismo, hindi ko mamemorya. Isa pang alyas niya ay Subclade K,” Domingo continued.
Infectious diseases specialist Rontgene Solante said that Subclade K is a variant of the Influenza A virus, also known as Influenza A (H3N2).
Influenza A is generally considered the most severe strain of the flu because it mutates more frequently, spreads easily and can cause more severe illness.
Solante said that unvaccinated individuals are more likely to become infected with the flu.
He added that flu-like illnesses affecting Filipinos may persist until February.
Symptoms of the super flu include fever and chills; severe muscle and body aches; cough and sore throat; headache or head pressure; and a runny nose or nasal congestion. Fatigue that may linger even after other symptoms improve can also be experienced.
The World Health Organization said that the super flu has been detected in more than 34 countries, including the Philippines.
Meanwhile, medical professionals and health institutions have urged the public to observe precautionary measures amid the threat of the virus.
Physician Tony Leachon, a health reform advocate, reminded Filipinos to wear face masks in public places and to get vaccinated against the flu to enhance their protection.
He also advised the public to be self-aware by listening to their bodies for symptoms and to practice self-care by getting enough rest, staying hydrated and nourishing their bodies.
“Let us wear our masks not only as protection, but as symbols of solidarity. Let us take our vaccines not only as shields, but as pledges of care. And let us live each day with gratitude, knowing that self-awareness and self-care are gifts we give to ourselves and to the community,” Leachon said.
In another post, he reiterated his reminders for the public to wear face masks in public places and to stay up to date with flu and pneumonia vaccinations.
“Vaccines are important. Update your vaccination for both flu and pneumonia. Wear face masks!” Leachon said in the comments section.
Face masks are among the most effective ways to prevent the transmission of respiratory infections such as the flu, as they act as a barrier against virus-containing droplets.
Doctor-vlogger Mitch Mendoza also advised those who are ill to stay home, rest, drink plenty of fluids, get enough sleep to support recovery and wear face masks.
“Kaya kung lalabas ka, lagi mag-FACE MASK! Kung may sakit na ubo at sipon: FACE MASK!” she said in a Facebook post.
“Syempre importante ang Flu Vaccine — ang bakuna ay proteksyon mo para hindi lumala ang sintomas mo. Oo, may chance na magkaka-flu ka pa rin pero hindi na ito malala,” Mendoza added.
The KinderMed Pediatric Clinic also reminded the public to get their flu shots as an added measure of protection against the illness.
The Zen Miracle Medical Center–Sagad Pasig Branch also shared tips on how the public can prevent contracting the “super flu.”
These include wearing face masks, getting an annual flu shot, washing hands regularly, avoiding touching the face, staying away from sick people or crowded places and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing.
The medical center also suggested that people support their immune systems by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
The municipality of Taytay in Rizal also shared a post outlining ways Filipinos can prevent illness from the “super flu.”
The DOH reiterated that there is no need to panic as long as precautionary measures, such as wearing face masks and washing hands regularly, are followed.
