WITH influenza-like illness cases in the country on the rise, the Department of Health (DOH) has reminded the public to get their flu shots on a regular basis.
Speaking at the Raising Awareness on Influenza to Support Elderlies (RAISE) event in Quezon City, DOH Undersecretary Dr Eric Tayag last Saturday urged the public to get flu vaccines ahead of the annual flu season.
“Let us not disregard the threat of flu. We should always get flu shots every year so that we can avoid complications of influenza,” said Tayag.
He said this is especially true for the elderly population as their lower immune systems increase the risks of developing flu-related complications.
“Flu is more dangerous if it afflicts senior citizens,” stressed Tayag.
This was seconded by RAISE co-convenor Dr. Lulu Bravo, who said regular flu shots are more necessary for the elderly sector.
“We want our seniors to have quality of life. We want them to live to a hundred and live with a purpose. We need them to be vaccinated every year to preserve their life,” said Bravo.
Based on the latest Department of Health (DOH) data, 121,478 influenza-like illness cases have been reported from January 1 to August 26.
