Choose to be Protected: Schedule your Annual Flu Shot
Reports show that health consciousness
among Filipino consumers is increasing. In 2020,
the demand for vitamin C more than doubled, and companies noted an increased
interest in maintenance medicine for senior citizens, antibiotics, and
antivirals. Fitness equipment like exercise mats, jump ropes, and weights became popular
purchases on online shopping platforms.
Now that more than 170 million COVID-19 vaccine doses have been
administered many are excited to make up for all the things they missed during the
height of the pandemic. However, because health restrictions have been mostly
lifted, there is still the risk of getting exposed to different threats like
the flu.
Preventive healthcare through routine
immunization is the best protection from it because the strain and severity of
flu changes from season to season.
What is the flu?
Influenza, or flu for short, is a viral
respiratory infection that causes mild to severe illness, and even death. Its
symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, or a runny or stuffy
nose. Other possible symptoms include body aches, headaches, and tiredness.
Vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, but this is more common in children.
The flu is contagious and is spread through
tiny droplets transmitted via coughing, sneezing, or talking. Close contact is the most common way to get the flu, but it may also be
transmitted by touching an object that someone with the virus has coughed or
sneezed on. The virus may stay infectious for hours to days, and will stay
active longer on hard surfaces like plastic or stainless steel.
Flu and cold share symptoms but they are
caused by different viruses. The flu is more intense in terms of symptoms. It
also affects everyone, even young and healthy people, at any time of the year.
It is a constant threat, which is why it is important to protect oneself
against it.
Timely immunization is the
best weapon against the flu
It’s recommended to get annual immunization
since vaccines change each year to match the flu viruses going around at the
moment. Immunity from the flu vaccine declines over time, so a regular
schedule is critical to get the best protection and you don’t even need to wait
for a year to renew your flu shot. As soon as the new variant comes out, you can set an appointment with
your doctor and get vaccinated.
There are other benefits to getting yearly
immunization. Besides protection, flu vaccines promote savings for individuals,
families, and even employers and healthcare systems. Individuals inoculated with the flu vaccine reduce their risk of going to the
doctor by up to 60%. This is advantageous, considering that the cost of hospitalization can range
from P10,000 to P30,000 per visit and the average monthly income for Filipino families is P25,599.
Get immunized today
“The flu shot does not guarantee that you
won’t get sick, but it will significantly reduce your risk. This is important
as we have adjusted to the new way of life and Filipinos are making plans to
travel, meet friends and family, and go back to the office and school. We
encourage everyone to get the new flu vaccine so they can be unstoppable as
they mark their milestones this year,” says Dr. Kevin Bautista, GSK Medical
Affairs Manager.
Consult your doctor to schedule a flu
vaccine. Hospitals and clinics nationwide also offer flu vaccination services.
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