Influenza or flu is one of the most common illnesses in the Philippines. Flu cases are reported in the country throughout the year, but these peak during October to February, which coincide with the cold northeast monsoon season or amihan.
The recent death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and Chinese actor Liang Youcheng not only shocked the entertainment world, but also underscored the dangers of influenza and its complications. Hsu, 48, succumbed to influenza-induced pneumonia while Liang, 27, died due to influenza complications.
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly. These include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children).
Most people who get sick with flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Moderate complications from flu include sinus and ear infections. Pneumonia is a serious flu complication that can result from either flu virus infection alone or from co-infection of flu virus and bacteria. Pneumonia as a flu complication tends to be more severe and potentially fatal, the American Lung Association warns.
Other possible serious complications triggered by flu can include inflammation of the heart (myocarditis), brain (encephalitis), or muscle tissues (myositis, rhabdomyolysis), and multi-organ failure (e.g., respiratory and kidney failure).
Flu virus infection of the respiratory tract can trigger an extreme inflammatory response in the body and can lead to sepsis, the body’s life-threatening response to infection. Flu can also make chronic medical problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have flu, and people with chronic heart disease may experience a worsening of this condition triggered by flu.
People at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications should they get sick include people 65 years and older, people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease), pregnant women and children younger than five years, especially those younger than two years old.
Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of flu infection and its serious complications, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) recommends annual flu vaccination for adults, especially those in the high-risk populations. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) recommends children ages six months to eight years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time get two doses separated by at least four weeks. Children ages nine to 18 years should receive one dose of the vaccine yearly. Individuals must also speak with their physicians to learn more about getting vaccinated.
Aside from lowering flu infection risk, flu vaccination can also lower a person’s risk of serious illness from the flu and costly hospitalization, as well as avert considerable productivity losses due to work absences.
The CDC recommends actions to protect oneself and others from flu and help stop the spread of germs. For example, avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick.
Also, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; you can also wear a mask. Wash your hands often to help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
One can also take steps for cleaner air to reduce the risk of exposure to viruses. You can improve air quality by bringing in fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors if possible.
It is also important to practice good hygiene and other healthy habits. Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly. Get adequate sleep, be physically active, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Together with the global health community, the innovative pharmaceutical industry, represented by the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), works to improve seasonal influenza vaccine coverage and support flu pandemic preparedness for the future.
The IFPMA Influenza Vaccine Supply International Task Force (IFPMA IVS) was established in February 2002 to address the challenges of seasonal and pandemic flu. IFPMA IVS brings together research-based vaccine manufacturers conducting R&D, development, and production to provide safe, effective, high-quality human vaccines and antivirals against seasonal, pre-pandemic, and pandemic flu. In 2019, IVS Task Force vaccine manufacturers distributed 531 million seasonal influenza vaccines worldwide.
Vaccination can help stop seasonal influenza in its tracks — and help prevent at-risk people being hospitalized or suffering complications.
Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are in the forefront of research and development efforts for COVID-19 and other diseases that affect Filipinos.
