[av_one_full first min_height=” vertical_alignment=” space=” custom_margin=” margin=’0px’ padding=’0px’ border=” border_color=” radius=’0px’ background_color=” src=” background_position=’top left’ background_repeat=’no-repeat’ animation=”]
[av_heading heading=’THE DOCTOR IS IN ‘ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=’30’ subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY JESSICA SEGOVIA-YAP, MD
[/av_heading]
[av_textblock size=” font_color=” color=”]
Saturday, September 2, 2017
[/av_textblock]
[av_textblock size=’18’ font_color=” color=”]
THE FLU virus is on the news again. This time it is the avian flu or the Influenza A H5N6.
This bird flu outbreak has occurred in Pampanga. And although there are some 34 suspected cases that were placed in isolation or quarantine, there is no confirmed case yet of bird flu infection in humans in our country.
“A H5N6” is just one strain among the thousands of strains of the flu virus. It is transmitted in birds but humans can also be infected if there is close contact with an infected bird, and can later on cause human to human transmission.
So what is this particular bird blu?
Bird flu or avian influenza is a viral infection spread from bird to bird. There are different strains of this bird flu virus, the most pathogenic (harmful) of which is the A H5N1. This is not the strain that was found in the outbreak in Pampanga (although the A H5N6 strain that was identified can be transmissible to humans but only through direct contact with the sick bird).
So as part of the monitoring and surveillance of the Department of Health (DOH), all patients presenting with flu-like symptoms like fever and coughing and had exposure or contact with infected birds should be reported, isolated and started on anti viral medications.
The patient’s sample is then sent to the RITM (Research Institute for Tropical Medicine) for confirmation. However, as of this writing, results of all patients suspected of having the flu turned out negative.
The DOH has ordered the formulation of Interim Guidelines, Standards and other Instructions in the Implementation of Enhanced Human Avian Flu Surveillance Management and Infection Control in the Health Setting.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) were distributed to personnel assigned to areas with confirmed infestation to chickens so as to prevent direct exposure. Adequate amounts of antiviral medications are ready to be distributed to affected patients.
Everyone who has direct contact with a sick bird is advised to see / consult a health practitioner especially if they develop fever, cough, runny nose, sore eyes, loose stools, body malaise, sore throat, and difficulty of breathing in severe cases.
All health practitioners are then obliged to report these cases to the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Units (RESUs) of the DOH Regional Offices and seek immediate consultation at the nearest DOH Medical Hospitals and Centers.
Meanwhile, DOH is working closely with the Department of Agriculture to ensure that poultry and poultry by products are safe for consumption. According to these agencies, properly cooked chicken remains safe to eat.
Presently, the infestation has been contained and no further outbreaks have been noted in the vicinity of Pampanga and other provinces. But just the same, let us all continue to be vigilant and take all the necessary precautions.
Jessica P. Segovia-Yap, M.D., FPAFP is a Diplomate and Fellow of the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians. She is a practicing Family Medicine Specialist and holds clinic at the Medical Arts Building of Iloilo Mission Hospital. For comments, questions and suggestions, you may email at drjec.is.in@ gmail.com./PN
[/av_textblock]
[/av_one_full]
