MANILA, Philippines — Health reform advocate Dr. Anthony “Tony” Leachon on Monday urged the public to get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia in light of reports of an increase in respiratory illnesses in Northern China.
He noted that these vaccines are typically recommended for the “young and very old” population, but it would be better for everyone to be protected from the illnesses.
“Ako I would say the entire population—dahil may upsurge—magpabakuna kayo whether wala kayo sa special subset of population,” Leachon said over a Radyo 360 interview.
(As for me, I would say the entire population—because there is an upsurge—should get vaccinated whether they are not in the special subset of the population.)
The flu vaccine’s protection will last for one year, he said.
Meanwhile, there are available pneumonia vaccines with an effectivity of either five years or a lifetime.
Leachon also strongly encouraged those with comorbidities to get vaccinated.
“Ito ‘yung time of the year [holiday season] na maraming nahe-heart attack at stroke at alam naman natin ‘pag nahawa ng flu o pneumonia ang taong may sakit sa puso ay pwedeng lumala ang kanilang mga kondisyon,” he explained.
(This holiday season is the time of year when there are many heart attacks and strokes, and we know that when a person with heart disease is infected with the flu or pneumonia, their conditions can worsen.)
He then reiterated his advice of continuously wearing face masks and using disinfecting alcohol.
“This time na may upsurge tayo ng respiratory illnesses; ang kailangan natin at tatlong V’s. Una vigilance, ibalik natin ang ating hygienic measures; two, kailangan natin ng vaccination para sa flu at pneumonia; pangatlo ay visionary thinking sa kung ano ang mangyayari,” he added.
(During this time that have an upsurge of respiratory illnesses, what we need are the three V’s. First, vigilance, let’s restore our hygienic measures; second, vaccination for flu and pneumonia; third, visionary thinking about what will happen.)
Lessen travel to China
Leachon also advised travelers to avoid visiting foreign countries as much as possible, particularly China.
“Ako I would discourage not to go to China kasi hindi kayo mag-enjoy sa byahe ninyo, nandoon ‘yung sakit,” he said.
(I would discourage going to China because you won’t be able to enjoy your trip, that’s where the disease is.)
He added that it would be better to get vaccinated against flu and pneumonia if the trip is really necessary.
Last November 22, the World Health Organization published a report regarding the increased cases of respiratory diseases and clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia among Chinese children.
However, the Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said on November 29 that Filipinos do not need to worry about rising respiratory cases in China.
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