People flock to the Divisoria market to shop for various Christmas decorations and party needs on November 22, 2022. George Calvelo, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — Experts on Tuesday warned Filipinos that influenza should not be underestimated.

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This, following the untimely death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu (more popularly known as Shan Cai), due to influenza-induced pneumonia.

Unlike bacteria which can be treated with antibiotics, viruses can only be managed. 

Dr. J. Jose Turla, a pulmonologist at the Las Piñas General Hospital and Satellite Trauma Center, explains why viral pneumonia is much more serious.

“Masasabi ko na mas delikado. Ang viral pneumonia, iba kasi ang pathophysiology. Mas higher kasi ang nagko-cause ng inflamation sa ating airways particularly sa airsac o espasyo kung saan dumaan ang oxygen pa papunta sa dugo,” he said.

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Data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed pneumonia ranks 4th among the top causes of death in the country in 2023 and 2024. It is also the only communicable disease in the list of top five causes of death.

The Lung Center of the Philippines said three factors determine how one might be affected by an illness — the virulence of a microorganism, the host and the prevailing environment.

“Mas mahina ang katawan, mas mahina ang immune system, mas malaki ang risk na kapitan ng ibang germs. So kung yun ang dumale sayo, wala kang protection diyan even if you had vaccines for pneumonia which is specific for pneumococcal pnemumonia,” said LCP Spokesperson Dr. Norberto Francisco. 

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“So minsan, yung viral infection, napapatungan ng bacterial infection. Merong superimposed bacterial infection. Kaya minsan, what starts out as a viral inefction becomes a bacterial infection.” 

Aside from maintaining a robust immune system, experts said it would also be wise to get vaccinated against the flu and pneumonia especially the elderly and those with underlying conditions.

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