Browsing: Infectious Disease

Dr. Silverose Ann Bacolcol, Head of Manila Doctors’ Hospital Infection Prevention and Control Office, shared that “Most of the COVID-19 cases we see now are mild to moderate infections and can be managed at home. However, patients who have risk factors for disease progression, such as the elderly, those with co-morbid conditions, and are immunocompromised, need close monitoring and may have to be admitted.”

Dr Bacolcol strongly advised to receive a booster shot. She stated, “people should still receive their booster shots for COVID-19 because the threat of COVID-19 infection still exists and will continue to stay. The US CDC and Philippine DOH recommend the COVID-19 booster to prevent serious illness, hospitalisation, and death due to COVID-19.” About 23 million Filipinos have received a booster shot.

The Philippines, grappling with an alarming TB burden, has witnessed a stark 37 percent decline in TB case notifications in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is stepping in with crucial support, launching a dedicated TB Recovery Plan to bolster the National TB Program’s efforts in combating this scourge. We also spoke with Dr. Hansel E. Ybañez, field operations manager for USAID.

Dr Jeeve explains. “Mono or more precisely, Infectious Mononucleosis, is caused by a viral infection. The virus is called the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), which belongs to the Herpes family of human viruses. It is implicated in mononucleosis and other more serious conditions such as lymphoma and nose cancer (nasopharyngeal carcinoma).” 

The new vaccine, trialled in Bangladesh, offers hope against the debilitating dengue virus. The fight against dengue, a persistent health challenge in Asia, is seeing a promising light. A dengue vaccine, trialled in Bangladesh, demonstrates potential in combating the viral disease.