Several months back, the world was shocked with the sudden death of beloved Taiwanese star, Barbie Hsu. Her death served as a stark reminder of potential complications that can arise from a seemingly harmful flu.
Her death and untimely passing (she was barely 50 years old) underscores the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations, even for healthy adults. According to Dr. Ryan Raymond Bautista of MMC HealthHub from top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), even minor health issues like flu or infections may significantly disrupt daily life. They may lead to lost incomes, increased expenses for medication or hospital confinement or in some cases, serious health complications. But these can be prevented by keeping up to date with one's vaccines.
"Even if the immune system of adults is fully developed compared to that of a baby or child, it still does not exempt them from contracting preventable and potentially fatal diseases," said Dr. Bautista. "Vaccinations are a crucial preventive measure that can protect individuals from serious illnesses and their devastating consequences. Vaccines contain weakened or inactive forms of bacteria or viruses, which will allow the body to recognize the disease-causing organism and produce antibodies to prevent full-blown infections and minimize complications in the future."
And with the flu season now in full swing in the country, MakatiMed shares a list of important vaccines that every adult should have:
FLU VACCINE. This is given annually especially during the start of sweater weather in January. Flu vaccines in the Philippines include quadrivalent (protects from two types of Influenza A and two types of Influenca B), adjuvanted (recommended for those 65 years and up), and jet injector (variant given to those aged 18-64).
Flu or Influenza is a viral infection marked by high fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, head and body aches and even vomiting. Of the three types of human flu- A, B, C- it's A and B that debilitate you with their severe symptoms. The flu can be fatal because it an lead to severe complications like pneumonia and respiratory failure.
"It takes about two weeks for your body to develop antibodies against flu virus," explained Dr. Bautista. "The vaccines protects you for a year."
PNEUMONIA VACCINE. "Adults- particularly senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems- are encouraged to avail of PVC13 (which protects your against 13 types of pneumococcal bacteria) and PPSV23 (which protects you agains 23 types of pneumococcal bacteria)," said Dr. Bautista. "For patients over 60 years old, PCV13 is given as a single dose, followed by PPSV23 one year later. This series may provide lifetime protection. The latest versions of the vaccine, PCV15 and PCV20, no longer require supplementation with PPSV23. For those ages 18-64 with stronger immune systems, only PCV13 is recommended."
Pneumonia is the third leading cause of death across all ages in the Philippines. This is traced to the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and can cause breathing difficulties, which can affect oxygen levels in the body.
TDAP VACCINE. "Adults are advised to get Tdap vaccine once if they haven't received a shot before a get a booster every 10 years," recommends Dr. Bautista. "It's also given to pregnant women and for adults who are expected to be around newborns like grandparents and caregivers."
Tdap protects against three bacterial infections: tetanus, also known as lockjaw as it causes painful muscle spasms especially in the neck and jaw; diphtheria, which can affect upper respiratory tract as well as the heart and the nerves; and pertussis, a contagious respiratory infection a.k.a. whooping cough that can lead to disruptive bouts of coughing. All three infections can restrict breathing which can be fatal.
"The temporary discomfort is certainly a small price to pay for the protection you'll receive against these illnesses and their potential complications. Getting vaccinated not only benefits your own health and well-being, but also positively affects the health and well-being of your loved ones and community," added Dr. Bautista.
0 comments:
Post a Comment