Metro residents warned vs spread of flu virus

A Metro Manila health official has advised residents to wear warm clothing and avoid crowded places to avoid contracting the influenza A(H1N1) virus and other flu-like diseases that spread rapidly during the cold season.

According to Dr. Eduardo Janairo, regional director of the Department of Health’s Center for Health Development in Metro Manila, 83 laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus have been recorded in Muntinlupa from January to early November this year.

“I advise residents to keep fit and strengthen their immune system against the influenza virus,” said Janairo in a statement on Wednesday.

“We are now experiencing the cold season and I encourage everyone to wear protective clothing like sweaters and jackets if the weather is cold and when going out for a walk to avoid contracting influenza and flu-like diseases,” he added.

And with the holiday rush, Janairo warned Christmas shoppers to stay away from crammed spaces as the virus, being airborne, spreads easily in closed and contained areas.

The DOH Epidemiology Center monitored a total of 109 laboratory-confirmed A(H1N1) cases from Jan. 1 to Nov. 5 this year in the capital, with Muntinlupa accounting for the majority of the cases.

Other cities with confirmed A(H1N1) cases were Valenzuela and Pasig, accounting for five cases each. At least four cases were confirmed in Parañaque and two cases each in the cities of Makati, Malabon and Taguig.

Marikina, Pasay and Quezon City each had one confirmed case of the highly infectious virus, according to Janairo. Most of the cases involved boys, aged between 1 and 4 years.