Editorial

Away with the virus, adopt healthy living

The incidence of novel-coronavirus acute respiratory disease is scary that the World Health Organization has declared the outbreak, which was discovered in the city of Wuhan in Hubei province of China, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern after it has spread to several countries, including the Philippines with some 80 individuals suspected of positive n-Cov ARD as of late February 3.

The WHO declaration was made after incidences of fatalities from the virus reached 213 in China and elsewhere as of January 31. The designation is aimed at mobilizing international resources to deal with the epidemic.

Already, countries have set up measures to check or contain its spread, including lockdown and quarantines. Our consolation for the moment is its absence, so far, in our region. As this goes, surgical face masks are depleting or already out of stock, especially in highly urbanized areas in Metro Manila and Cebu, even if health authorities say these are not really needed except as preventives for those inflicted with cough and colds and fever and for those involved in medical services, such as hospital personnel.

What can we do to offset the threat of the virus? Our Department of Health tells us to heed medical advisories --- healthy living, balanced nutrition, plentiful intake of vegetables and fruits, and taking multi-vitamins for stronger immune system.

There is yet no cure on n-CoV, except on suppotive management,  and other virus-related diseases as medical experts are rushing on finding antedotes on these deadly ailments which could cause heavy fatalities if remain unchecked.  In high risk areas where the n-CoV is a threat, specialists advise us to resort in social distancing, about one meter apart, in communicating with each other so as to be spared from droplets. Or better still is avoidance of crowd.

People have to be attentive or alert on medical advisories for our life stake and those of our families, especially vulnerable children. Good nutrition and healthy lifestyle have to be sustained. Parents have to submit their children, based on schedule, to health clinics for mass vaccination or immunization. “Iba na ang naka handa,” as the saying goes. Still explorative or experimentive are doses against the dreaded “dengue” fever. Lately, our DOH has conducted its expanded vaccination on children against the poliovirus which resurrected last year with documented cases in Maguindanao. Again, prevention is better than cure by sustaining a clean environment and practicing correct hygiene to combat dengue and polio.

While the n-CoV has not yet reached our region, including the spread of other viruses of whatever names, still we have to be alert by responding to preventive measures as pronounced by our health authorities or specialists.

Let us not panic when the virus comes. But are our service providers here ready for the inevitable when the case would engulf us? Hope so.