Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday, January 12, called on the public to stay vigilant and informed amid reports of a “super flu."

GO (FB)

Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, noted that health authorities, including infectious disease specialists, have explained that the term “super flu” does not denote a new or more dangerous pathogen but refers to an influenza strain that appears to spread faster than typical seasonal flu.

“These reports remind us that not every new term or label in the news means there is an unprecedented health crisis,” Go said.

“What’s important is we are aware of what experts are saying and how we can understand it,” he stressed.

But practical health measures, such as rest and avoiding crowded places when symptomatic is still important, the lawmaker reiterated.

Moreover, he said existing influenza vaccines should continue to be recommended.

“If we want faster response to illnesses like the flu, we need to put in stronger mechanisms based on science and research,” he said.

That is why, the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines (VIP), created under Republic Act No. 12290 is very important.

The VIP law mandates the establishment of a national research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that will lead research on viruses and other pathogens affecting humans, animals, plants, and the broader environment.

The VIP law also promotes a more proactive and science-based approach to health challenges beyond immediate outbreaks.

“With VIP, we don't just react to diseases; we study them in depth and have systematic capabilities that are recorded before announcing the next health threat,” he explained.