Dumaguete City Health Office, hospitals and barangay halls give free A(H1N1) vaccination to its residents as a preventive measure from the spread of the A(H1N1) virus. {{more}}
According to Ms. Grace Echavez, field head nurse of the City Health Office, A(H1N1) virus, also known as swine flu is a new virus caused by the re-assortment of four viruses from pigs, humans and birds and it spreads from person-to-person and causes severe respiratory distress. Furthermore, the virus is transmitted through direct contact with the infected person’s cough and sneeze.
Chavez said that the immunity lasts six months and the vaccine is safe even for persons who are already infected with the virus.
Symptoms of the virus are fever, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pains, lack of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, cough, diarrhea and vomiting.
The Department of Health advises washing hands with soap and water regularly, using alcohol- based hand sanitizers, avoiding close contact with sick people, increasing body resistance by getting eight hours of sleep and covering your nose and mouth while coughing and sneezing.
Chavez urged Dumagueteños to get vaccinated especially the pregnant women, children and health officers and providers.
As of press time, there are more than 1000 persons vaccinated.
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