Expert warns vs reliance on antibiotics for ‘walking pneumonia’

An independent health reform advocate said on Monday, Dec. 4 that antibiotics may not be an effective remedy for individuals with “walking pneumonia.”

"May isang grupo lamang ng antibiotics ang tumatalab sa walking pneumonia at ang pangalan ay azithromycin or macrolides (Only a specific group of antibiotics is effective against walking pneumonia, and their names are azithromycin or macrolides)," Dr. Anthony Leachon said in an interview with TeleRadyo Serbisyo.

“Itong mga antibiotics na ito ay hindi basta basta mabibili sa botika, kailangan po ng reseta ng doktor (These antibiotics cannot be easily purchased over-the-counter; a doctor's prescription is required," he emphasized),” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, the expert underscored the limited impact of traditional antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and cephalosporins, in treating walking pneumonia.

He added that the illness is a condition where a person has no fever, but the cough is severe.

"While it's possible to carry on with daily activities even if you have pneumonia, for vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with comorbidities like diabetes, heart failure, coronary disease, cancer, and undergoing dialysis, the impact of walking pneumonia can escalate to a severe level at maaaring ma-ospital (necessitating hospitalization)," Leachon said.

Expressing concern for the health and safety of travelers, particularly to China, Hong Kong, or Macau, Leachon discouraged certain demographics from undertaking such trips.

“Because you won't enjoy your trip if the illness is present there,” he pointed out.

If travel is unavoidable to these places, the expert advised individuals to ensure they are vaccinated with the flu vaccine and to carry antibiotics specifically prescribed by a healthcare professional to combat walking pneumonia.

Moreover, Leachon shed light on the persistent association of China with the origin of this illness, citing concerns over the lack of transparency in the country's healthcare system.

"One billion people country, pero ang kanilang surveillance team ay hindi nagsasabi kung anong sakit ang mayroon, walang transparency ang healthcare system nila (but their surveillance team does not disclose the nature of the illnesses they have. There is a lack of transparency in their healthcare system),” he said.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/1/doh-cautions-public-against-walking-pneumonia