DOH warns of cold weather ailments

MANILA, Philippines - Health authorities yesterday warned the public against a possible increase in cases of fever and other ailments brought by the cold weather.

Department of Health (DOH) assistant secretary Eric Tayag said the cold weather usually triggers respiratory problems unless appropriate preventive measures are taken.

“Take care of yourself and your family against changes in temperature. Children and adults may become susceptible to cough, colds, and fever,” he said.

Tayag said families living in the streets, including those from typhoon-ravaged areas, have higher risk of acquiring diseases.

 â€œThey are susceptible since they are exposed to the cold,” he said.

To avoid getting sick, Tayag said the public should wear clothing that could protect them from the cold weather.

He said joggers should avoid early morning runs since their bodies may not be able to take the chill.

He advised those who already have cough and cold to immediately seek medical attention in order to avoid complications.

LGUs vs avian flu

 Meanwhile, Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian urged the DOH to help prepare local government units (LGUs) against a new avian influenza strain called H7N9.     

Gatchalian said the DOH should review the preparedness of LGUs in monitoring and controlling threats posed by the new strain.

“We cannot afford to be caught flat-footed again just because all our resources and attention are focused on Yolanda. The likelihood that we may get hit by the avian flu is high, given our proximity to Hong Kong and China as well as the volume of travelers that pass through the Philippines everyday,” he said.

Gatchalian said the government should be ready in case the new strain is detected here.

He said hundreds of suspected carriers have already been quarantined in China and Hong Kong.

“Although there is no indication that the virus can trigger sustained human-to-human transmission, it is best that every local government is prepared in handling such risk should there be cases reported here.”

In 2009, the DOH convened the municipal mayors to prepare against infectious diseases, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and avian flu.

“LGUs play a very important part in battling emerging infectious diseases that pass the scrutiny of quarantine controls in airports and seaports. That is why there is a need for the DOH to activate every local government unit and see to it that the level of preparedness is high should there be an outbreak,” Gatchalian said.

He suggested that LGUs should now be asked to draft action plans to monitor possible new avian flu cases in the barangay level.

 â€œEven if there are thermal imaging equipment installed at our major ports of entry, there is still a big chance that the H7N9 threat may enter the country,” he said.                                â€“ With Jess Diaz