Free anti-AH1N1 vaccines available in health centers

CEBU, Philippines - Senior citizens and persons who usually meet and talk with foreigners are encouraged by health officials to avail of the free vaccines to counter the spread of the AH1N1 virus.

Durinda Macasocol, assistant head of the Cebu City Health’s statistics and surveillance unit, said the vaccine is free of charge in the various government and barangay health centers in the city.

Macasocol said the City Health Department received the anti-AH1N1 vaccines from the Department of Health and these were distributed to the barangay health centers.

“Kadtong gusto nga magpabakuna, ilabi na ang mga senior citizens, adto lang sila sa mga barangay health centers aron maka-avail sila sa libre nga tambal,” Macasocol said. (Those who want to avail of it, especially the senior citizens, just have to go to the nearest health center.)

She explained that although the most senior citizens very seldom meet foreigners, who may be carrying the virus from other countries, the elderly should be vaccinated because their condition makes them vulnerable to diseases.

AH1N1 virus infects people through cough or sneeze, as it is dispersed into the air. Other ways of getting it is when a person breathes in contaminated air or touches infected hands or surfaces.

To prevent the spread of the disease, people should cover their mouth and nose when coughing, and wash their hands regularly.

Early signs of AH1N1 include fever, cough, headache, muscle and joint pains, sore throat and runny nose, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea

High risk groups of people that can be easily afflicted are those with chronic respiratory conditions like asthma and other obstructive pulmonary diseases, cardiac diseases, diabetes, chronic metabolic and renal diseases. (FREEMAN)