Understanding the recent rise in Flu Cases

Over the past weeks, many Filipinos have reported severe flu-like symptoms - high fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, and fatigue lasting longer than usual. Some have started calling it a "super flu".

Of course this raised the issues such as: "Is it worse than previous cases of flu?", "Are vaccines effective?", and most importantly "Are vaccines still warranted?". We will tackle what's really happening in this article - clearly and calmly.

The term "super flu" is not really a medical diagnosis, it is a circulation of influenza virus with combined other respiratory viruses. These affects people whose immunity may have been lowered due to stress, lack or sleep or most definitely have missed vaccinations. Some flu strains can cause more intense symptoms or longer recovery, this is seen in cases where you haven't had a recent flu vaccine, you have an underlying condition or you delayed consultation or even rest. 

So why does it feel worse this time? Are the Vaccines not working anymore?

I get that question a lot in my clinic. Several factors can make flu outbreaks feel more severe than previous years. People are socializing more compared in the years right after the covid pandemic. Many people have skipped their flu vaccines in the recent years. Viruses change slightly every season. Fatigue and stress weaken immune response. This doesn't mean that the flu is new, but prevention matters more now than ever!

But the real question is, doc Damian, does the vaccine still work? Are they worth still getting?

Of course! But with an important clarification. Most of my patients are asking and wondering, they did get the flu vaccine last year, however why did they still got the flu? The flu vaccine does not guarantee you won't get infected with the flu however it reduces severity, complications and hospitalizations. Flu vaccine is still worth getting because it lowers the risk of pneumonia, lowers exacerbation of asthma and heart strain. And most importantly, it protects vulnerable people around you (herd immunity). All of this reason makes the flu vaccine still matter!

I personally recommend flu vaccine for most adults, but it is non-negotiable to people who are 50 years old and above, those who are diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, hypertension, with heart/lung/kidney diseases, immunocompromised, healthcare workers, caregivers, living with elderly family members and frequently exposed to crowds or those who travel a lot. But essentially, even young healthy adults would benefit especially in the active flu seasons.

The recent rise in flu cases is a quick reminder of something simple but important. Flu is not "just trangkaso". The flu vaccine still remains one of the most effective tools we have to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. Prevention doesn't eliminate all risk, but it greatly reduces the cost of getting sick.