December 5 ------ The Department of Health (DOH) announced that there were currently no reported local cases of "walking pneumonia" in the Philippines, as the illness continues to spread in China and other countries. "The good news is we are not able to report any new pathogens or new viruses," said DOH Undersecretary Eric Tayag in a CNN Philippines interview. He also clarified that the confirmed cases mostly involved Influenza A or Influenza B, SARS-CoV-2, or Covid-19. “The doctors would initiate empirical treatment when suspecting mycoplasma pneumonia or walking pneumonia in a patient,” Tayag said.
Tayag noted that the Philippine Genome Center is currently updating its report on circulating SARS CoV-2 strains, and walking pneumonia has not been reported because routine testing for it has not been conducted. Highlighting the importance of protective measures, Tayag reminded: “We have to wash our hands, still observe social distancing, and for senior citizens and pregnant women, wearing a mask is something that we know already.”
He also urged the public to get vaccinated against the flu, emphasizing that these vaccines are free and advised staying home when feeling unwell. Tayag recommended practicing minimum health standards, including temperature checks upon waking, gargling lukewarm saltwater for throat discomfort, and getting tested if experiencing cold and cough symptoms.
The DOH and the World Health Organization (WHO) remain vigilant, urging the public to adopt preventive measures to avoid respiratory illnesses. Moreover, expressing concern about the rising cases in China, Tayag emphasized the higher drug resistance rates of antibiotics used for Mycoplasma pneumoniae or walking pneumonia.
Source: mb.com.ph
Comments