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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Iwasan ang FLiRT': Garin tells Pinoys to get jab, wash hands amid Covid subvariant threat 

'Iwasan ang FLiRT': Garin tells Pinoys to get jab, wash hands amid Covid subvariant threat 

Published May 28, 2024 05:05 am

At A Glance

  • Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin has suggested a series of actions for the public to follow as a way to combat Covid-19's so-called FLiRT subvariants. 

Ex-DOH chief Garin defends Cascolan's appointment as health officialIloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)




Iloilo 1st district Rep. Janette Garin has suggested a series of actions for the public to follow as a way to combat Covid-19's so-called FLiRT subvariants.

"Whats more important at this point in time is aggressive flu and pneumonia vaccination for HCWs (healthcare workers), senior citizens and the immunocompromised/ vulnerables," Garin, a former Department of Health (DOH) secretary, told House reporters on Tuesday, May 28.

On top of this, she says "Continuous reminders regarding frequent hand washing, hygiene practices, adequate rest and nutritious balanced diet are essential weapons of every Pinoy and Pinay to crush and flatten the FLiRT."

While Filipinos have generally learned to live with Covid-19, the news of new variants and subvariants of the deadly virus do cause alarm from time to time.

"Regarding FLiRT variant, its expected that a virus will keep on mutating," noted Garin, a House deputy majority leader in the 19th Congress.

"What's important is the capability of our health workforce to manage cases and for the general public to be aware, hence allowing early consult, diagnosis and management," she said.

Garin further said that while monitoring at the borders can be done against FLiRT, "It's not that tenable considering vague symptoms and the seasonal changes that causes uptick of flu, pneumonia, and URTIs (Upper respiratory tract infection)."

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