An INTERVIEW with DR. BRYAN CEPEDOZA
about FLU and PNEUMONIA VACCINES
(Part 1)
Q. What is the purpose of flu and pneumonia vaccines?
A. The flu vaccine is used in preventing the influenza A and influenza B virus, which is prevalent in the country during flu season from June to November. This is the time to get the flu vaccine. Flu is dangerous to hypertensive and diabetic patients, smokers, alcoholics and asthmatics.
Flu poses risks to them.Flu is not a problem to younger people but for people who were mentioned, flu vaccine is needed and important. The pneumococcal vaccine for pneumonia, helps in preventing bacterial pneumonia. The other one, the flu vaccine, can help prevent viral pneumonia.
Q. I have a close friend who was admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in the hospital. The reason for her admission was undiscovered bacteria in her lungs. The doctors diagnosed her condition as pneumonia . But she did not have any symptoms of pneumonia she was admitted because she had difficulty breathing one morning. Thank God, she recovered. My question is is it possible for a patient to have pneumonia without any symptoms?
A. It is possible. This is called asymptomatic pneumonia and this happens to people who have high blood glucose or the blood sugar is uncontrolled. There are times when
people have no severe coughs or colds or fever, but complain of body malaise or a feeling of lethargy or tiredness. The presentation depends on the immune system and age. If a person is a teenager or toddler, if he gets pneumonia, he tends to have high fever. But if a person is 65 years old and above, fever may not always appear.
Q. Who can administer the flu and pneumonia vaccines?
A. All physicians licensed in the Philippines may administer the vaccines. Nurses are authorized to administer the vaccine as long as it is supervised by a doctor. For example, the doctor ordered to give the flu or pneumonia vaccine to be given to a patient; a nurse may be able to administer the vaccine upon the doctor’s order.
Q. We learned that your main clinic is at Tagbilaran Community Hospital. Where else do you hold the clinic?
A. I have a clinic at ACE Medical Center (3rd floor), Ramiro Community Hospital (3rd floor) aside from the one which i have at Tagbilaran Community Hospital. (TO BE CONTINUED)