Flu vaccines need updating to keep up with virus mutations – expert

Photo by Ludovic MARIN / Agence France-Presse

MANILA, Philippines — The influenza virus, among others, constantly mutates so that there are new strains that emerge every year, according to Dr. Gyneth Bibera, the country medical director of GlaxoSmithKline Philippines Inc.

“This means that vaccines also need to be reformulated to address the strains that are likely to be the most common,” Bibera said in a statement sent to INQUIRER.net.

The Department of Health (DOH) recently said that it had recorded a 53 percent increase in cases of influenza-like illnesses from August to July this year compared to a similar period in 2021.

Citing the DOH, Bibera said that in 2016 influenza was ranked as the fifth largest cause of morbidity in the Philippines.

Complications that arise from being infected with the virus range from moderate ones such as ear and sinus infections to life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, and sepsis.

Bibera reminded the public that the flu is a very transmissible virus and that it spreads even more quickly in crowded places.

“Once infected, people with the flu are contagious in the first three to four days, although children and those with weaker immune systems may transmit the virus for longer than seven days,” she added.

Because of this, she emphasized the need for vaccines, explaining that the first and most important step to reducing the risk of flu “is by ensuring that you are up to date with your yearly flu vaccinations.”

“Those who are vaccinated and end up getting the flu are less likely to experience severe symptoms,” she said.

Individuals can also get health check-ups, observed social distancing, and observe basic hygiene such as frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and disinfection of common living spaces to further reduce the risk of getting the flu.

According to Bibera, getting vaccinated against flu costs a lot less than seeking treatment for possible complications. Flu vaccine prices in the Philippines range from P500 to P1,500, while the cost of hospitalization from getting inflicted with the flu can range from P10,000 to P30,000.

“Being proactive with healthcare is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of diseases. Contact your healthcare providers and set immunization appointments for yourself and your family,” she added.

Difference of flu vs. COVID-19

Meanwhile, Bibera also stressed the difference between COVID-19 and the flu.

Both can have similar symptoms. But she said: “Flu and COVID-19 are two different viruses that require different treatments and different vaccines. Being vaccinated against COVID-19 will not protect you from the flu, and vice versa.”

According to Bibera, the best course of action to determine which virus has infected you is by consulting a doctor.

“Staying up to date with flu immunization is one way we can further eliminate anxiety,” she said.

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