Preparing for the Flu Season in the Philippines

One of the most common viral infections that afflict many Filipinos every year is influenza in the Philippines—commonly known as the flu. It’s a condition affecting the respiratory system, causing a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe illness.

As we go through the flu season in the Philippines, it becomes increasingly important to understand the virus, how it spreads, and the treatment plans available for the disease. That way, you know how to manage the virus in case you or your loved ones get infected with the disease.

What is Influenza or Flu?

As mentioned earlier, the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses belong to the Orthomyxoviridae family and are classified into three main types: A, B, and C. Influenza A is often responsible for widespread seasonal flu outbreaks, while influenza B and C typically cause milder illnesses.

When the virus enters your system, it infects your nose, throat, and lungs, causing moderate symptoms at the least and life-threatening conditions at its worst. So, it’s important to be wary of its signs to immediately start treatment.

The Flu Symptoms to Watch Out For

Recognizing the symptoms and signs of the flu is crucial for prompt intervention. A few of the common symptoms are:

• Fever or feeling feverish with chills
• Dry cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Fatigue

It’s important to note that not everyone with the flu gets a fever. Plus, some even experience gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting—-which are particularly common in children.

When you start to feel any of these symptoms, keep track of what you feel and the duration of your sickness. Notice whether your ailment is getting better or worse in the coming days. If it worsens, immediately consult with your doctor so they can assess your condition and provide medical care.

How Does Influenza Spread?

Most experts believe that influenza viruses spread mainly through the droplets made when people afflicted with it cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the noses or mouths of other people nearby, infecting them with the disease.

Less often, you can also get the flu by touching a surface or object that has the flu virus on it. If you touch your mouth, eyes, or nose with your contaminated hands, you can be at risk of getting infected.

When is the Flu Season in the Philippines?

In the Philippines, the flu season aligns with the rainy season, spanning from June to November. During these months, the country experiences increased rainfall and cooler temperatures, creating an environment conducive to the spread of the flu virus.

Health authorities usually closely monitor and prepare for the flu season to mitigate its impact in society.

What Happens When You Get the Flu?

When you contract the flu, the virus invades the respiratory tract, infecting cells and causing inflammation. This process leads to the manifestation of symptoms such as fever, cough, and body aches.

In severe cases, the flu can progress to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, or ear infections. If the flu strikes the lungs, the lining of your respiratory tract is damaged, and the tissue becomes swollen and inflamed.

Fortunately, the damage brought about by the flu is rarely permanent. The tissues usually heal within a few weeks and the fever mounts quickly. The temperature may rise above 38 centigrade at its peak, but after two or three days, it usually subsides.

How Serious is the Flu?

Anyone can get the flu especially when it is widespread in your community. However, for people who are not healthy to begin with, influenza can be severe and even fatal. You’re considered a “high risk” individual if you:

• Have a chronic lung disease such as asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis, or cystic fibrosis
• Have a heart disease
• Have diabetes or another chronic metabolic disorder
• Have severe anemia
• Have a disease or are having treatments that depress immunity
• Are 18 years old or younger and are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
• Are residing in a nursing home or other chronic care facility
• Are 50 years old or beyond
• Are in a second or third trimester of pregnancy during flu season

For high-risk individuals, you must take extensive precautions to keep yourselves safe from the disease. Taking preventive measures and keeping treatment kits readily available can help you lower your likelihood of getting influenza.

Treating the Flu

For uncomplicated flu symptoms, your doctor is likely going to tell you to stay in bed as long as the sickness is mild.

Antiviral drugs like amantadine, rimantadine, and zanamivir are useful for treating someone who develops the flu, particularly if given as soon as possible after the onset of its symptoms. Antiviral drugs can also be used as a preventive measure, but it has to be taken daily if the flu cases continue to occur in a community.

If you happen to develop a bacterial complication, however, your doctor can give you an antibiotic.

Preventing the Flu in the Philippines

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccine each season, highlighting the importance of vaccination. This vaccine is typically made each year so that it can contain influenza viruses that are expected to cause illness that year.

And because the influenza viruses usually change every year, a high-risk person should be vaccinated each summer with the new vaccine. You can get a flu shot anytime in the summer, but the earlier the better.

Flu Vaccinations

Generally, most people should get vaccinated with the flu vaccine to control its prevalence within communities. However, some individuals should not be vaccinated with the influenza vaccine for a range of reasons. These people are:

1. Children who are younger than 6 six months
2. People who have had a severe allergic reaction to influenza vaccine
3. Individuals who have a moderate-to-severe illness with or without a fever
4. People who suffered a severe paralytic illness called the Guillain–Barre Syndrome (GBS) that occurred only after receiving the influenza vaccine

It’s advisable to get vaccinated for the flu only after your doctor gives you the go-ahead. This ensures that you are safe to take the vaccine and aren’t at risk of severe side effects or complications.

Understanding the flu, its symptoms, and preventive measures is paramount in minimizing its impact on your wellness. As we go through the flu season in the Philippines, a proactive approach, including vaccination and adherence to public health guidelines, can contribute to a healthier and more resilient population.