83 H1N1 cases monitored in Muntinlupa

MANILA, Philippines - At least 83 “laboratory-confirmed” cases of Influenza A (H1N1) were monitored by the Department of Health (DOH) in Muntinlupa City from Jan. 1 to Nov. 5, an official said yesterday.

But DOH director for Metro Manila Dr. Eduardo Janairo clarified that this is not a cause for alarm because H1N1 is now considered an “ordinary flu.”

“Although H1N1 is highly infectious, there is no need to panic because the influenza virus is now treated as an ordinary flu and it can be treated by Oseltamivir, an over-the-counter drug that is available in major drugstores,” he said.

Janairo, however, warned against self-medication if manifesting “flu-like symptoms.”

“Before taking any medicine, it is still best to seek the advice of a doctor in order to be given the proper medication. Also, lots of fluid intake and complete bed rest will help mitigate its symptoms,” he said.

The 83 cases of H1N1 in Muntinlupa City is part of the 109 cases recorded in the whole of Metro Manila. No fatalities were recorded.

The other areas with confirmed cases are Valenzuela and Pasig cities with five each; Parañaque with four; Makati, Malabon and Taguig with two each; Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasay and Quezon cities with one case each. Majority of the cases were male and belonged to the one to four-year-old age group.