With the virus still at large, a medical expert from the Philippines’ fastest growing health app mWell discusses safety measures for the family beyond the second dose
Even as the holiday rush starts to take over the streets and shopping centers, staying cautious when in public areas still goes a long way in protecting your family from the COVID-19 threat. To keep safe and healthy at home for the holidays despite more relaxed restrictions, Occupational Health Physician Dominic M. Tancio advises to continue practicing caution whenever heading outdoors.
“Our countrymen need to be reminded that the virus is still very much present and has not been eradicated. We must not be complacent despite the decrease in the number of infected individuals,” he tells Manila Bulletin.
A partner-doctor on mWell’s telemedicine platform supported by PLDT Home, Tancio emphasizes the importance of following the minimum health standards and safety protocols set by the Department of Health (DOH). Among these, he specifies, are more of what’s been practiced since the pandemic struck: Wearing masks, avoiding large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces, maintaining six feet away from the next person, hand washing, and so on.
“This is our first line of defense against COVID-19. Monitoring one’s health is also important since early detection leads to early intervention.”
Vaccination is key
Tancio stresses the added layer of protection we can get through COVID-19 vaccination.
“Vaccines do the job of mimicking the disease process that the body undergoes when being attacked by a certain microorganism. Except with the vaccine, the degree of sickness is less than when you contract the virus. Its main goal is to improve the memory of our immune system to create antibodies which should be one of the key players in the eradication of foreign objects like bacteria and viruses in the body.”
The government has also opened vaccination for children aged 12 and above, and Tancio says that this move will help the country achieve herd immunity. “Vaccines approved for a specific population of children (adolescents) also work more or less the same way as in adults. Younger children who are still not eligible to receive vaccines will also benefit from herd immunity. Basically, herd immunity means that when special populations like children are surrounded by fully vaccinated individuals, they have less chances of getting the virus.”
Even pregnant women can be vaccinated, Tancio adds. “Pregnant women are at an increased risk of having severe COVID as compared to a normal person. The vaccine protects both the mother and the child as the antibodies formed by the mother are passed through the baby.” All prenatal check-ups should be complete, as well as the vaccines recommended for pregnant patients. He advises seeking professional help immediately once symptoms of COVID-19 are present during pregnancy.
Those who have already been vaccinated will also need to take booster shots to update their protection as new COVID-19 variants emerge. Tancio thus cautions on knowing which booster to take. “These strains of the COVID-19 virus and the decreasing effectiveness of vaccines over time are the main reasons behind the importance of booster shots. The concept of mix-and-match among vaccine brands is based on research done in different countries. Studies showed that getting a different brand of booster from one’s primary series increased the levels of antibodies and immune response, as compared to getting the same brand as the primary series.”
According to DOH’s advisory last December 21, those fully vaccinated with AstraZeneca, Pfizer, Moderna, and Sinovac need to have booster doses after three months from their second dose, whereas those vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson can get their booster shots two months after their vaccination.
Staying healthy
Tancio says that more than just getting vaccinated, a healthy lifestyle helps protect us more versus any virus. “A healthy and balanced diet can help boost our immune system in fighting any form of disease and infection. It can also decrease the likelihood of developing lifestyle-related chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes, all of which are common risk factors for developing severe COVID infection,” he says.
While holiday feasts abound this season, Tancio advises eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and food low in salt, less on sugar, and moderate in fats and oils. Even during the holidays, one must also refrain from drinking too much alcohol, and instead keep well hydrated with water, he says. Tancio adds that moderate intensity workouts are also beneficial especially during this time since most stay indoors with limited physical activities.
Regular check-ups with doctors for any medical condition is also important. This is how telemedicine can help more Filipinos have access to sound medical advice from healthcare professionals. “In this time of the pandemic when a trip to the hospital is in itself a risk, teleconsultations through digital innovations such as mWell makes sure that everyone can receive the healthcare that they need in the safety of their homes.”
On a mission to provide consumers better health, PLDT Home has partnered with mWell, a fully integrated health and wellness app that allows users to consult primary care and specialized doctors 24/7 or book an appointment at a convenient time. All these could be done in a few taps, without having to leave home!
Aside from telemedicine services, mWell also offers fitness and nutrition programs developed by experts, free personal health tracking with the mWellness Score, and an online shopping platform for health items.
Download the mWell PH app today to enjoy these health and wellness features or visithttps://www.mwell.com.ph/to learn more!
For more information about PLDT Home products and partnerships, visithttps://pldthome.com/mwell.