Influenza A can cause severe pneumonia, ICU cases among vulnerable groups warns

October 22 ------ As the flu season continues in the country, an infectious disease expert has warned the public to stay vigilant against Influenza A, the strain most likely to cause severe pneumonia and hospitalization, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.

Dr. Rontgene Solante, a leading infectious disease expert in the country, said several factors are driving the spread of influenza in the country, including population density, vaccination coverage, and climate change. “Influenza A is the virus that we should watch out because this is the virus that can cause ICU admission, hospitalization, especially in the vulnerable population… ‘Pag ang influenza kasi, ‘pag matamaan ang vulnerable population, it can cause severe pneumonia,” he said during a television interview.

Complications, he said, can be fatal once the infection leads to severe pneumonia. “Kapag nadala ka sa hospital and found out na mayroon kang severe pneumonia tapos nakita influenza yan, 50 percent to 80 percent na mag mortality ka because number 1, it’s a viral infection and at the same time vulnerable population ka,” Dr. Solante warned.

When asked about the possibility of reinstating mandatory face mask policies, he said he does not see it as necessary at this time. “We don’t see this necessary because, ang mangyari kasi niyan kapag nag-declare ka ng mandatory face mask baka naman lahat ng province na mag-mandatory facemask and ano ang implication niyan magkaubusan nanaman tayo ng facemask,” he said. “Magpapanic nanaman tayo kung saan tayo kukuha ng facemask.” he added.

According to Dr. Solante, some of the factors of the uptick in flu cases are mainly population density, the number of vaccinated individuals, and climate change. It can be recalled that the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) had earlier reported that the positivity rate for influenza, or flu, in Metro Manila has increased to 42 percent in October, indicating ongoing community transmission in the region.

According to its Oct. 17 Flu Task Force Report, the PSMID consolidated data from tertiary hospital Infection Control Committees across Metro Manila. On Oct. 19, the Department of Health (DOH) said that there is no new or unusual virus or strain circulating in the country, clarifying that the recent uptick in respiratory cases is due to the seasonal flu.

The Quezon Provincial Government has recently ordered the mandatory wearing of face masks in all indoor areas and outdoor spaces where physical distancing cannot be maintained, citing a rise in respiratory illnesses such as cough, colds, and pneumonia.

Source: mb.com.ph