Although all four patients who were diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumoniae infection or the so-called "walking pneumonia" in the country have fully recovered, the Department of Health (DOH) continues to advise the public to follow essential healthcare standards to prevent getting infected by the flu-like disease.

According to Dr. Rheuel Bobis, Medical Officer IV of DOH-Region 1, “walking pneumonia” is one of the influenza-like illnesses caused by mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterium which may lead to different infections like colds and pneumonia.

“Hindi ito bagong sakit. (This is not a new illness) Ang mycoplasma pneumoniae bacterium ay known o common na pathogen unlike Covid-19,” Bobis said during the Serbisyo Publiko Media Forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency -Ilocos Sur Information Center.

The illness is referred to as "walking pneumonia" because the symptoms are usually mild, such as fever, sore throat, and cough, and patients are often asymptomatic, allowing them to continue their daily activities without difficulty.

To prevent this infection, Bobis recommends washing hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers.

He also advised the public to keep wearing face masks, especially in crowded areas where it's difficult to maintain physical distancing.

This is because the illness spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person who sneezes, coughs, or talks in front of another person.

The illness is referred to as "walking pneumonia" because the symptoms are usually mild, such as fever, sore throat, and cough, and patients are often asymptomatic, allowing them to continue their daily activities without difficulty.

To prevent this infection, Bobis recommends washing hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based sanitizers.

He also advised the public to keep wearing face masks, especially in crowded areas where it's difficult to maintain physical distancing.

This is because the illness spreads through respiratory droplets from an infected person who sneezes, coughs, or talks in front of another person.

“Ang pagsusuot ng face mask ay recommended pa rin para sa any kind of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) kasi hindi lang para sa Covid-19 ang proteksyon na binibigay ng face mask kundi any kind of respiratory illness (It is still recommended to wear face masks for any kind of ILI because it doesn’t only protect us from Covid-19 but also any kind of respiratory illness.),” he said.

Lastly, individuals aged 10 years and older may receive a yearly influenza vaccine (flu shot) to prevent the illness.

“Nagbibigay ito ng proteksyon sa mga impeksyon na dulot ng influenza. Ito ay recommended sa mga edad 60 years old pataas, healthcare workers, buntis, edad 18 years old pataas na may comorbidities at ibang indibidwal na may immunocompromised state (This [flu shot] offers protection against influenza and is recommended for seniors, healthcare workers, pregnant women, individuals with comorbidities aged 18 and above, and those with immunocompromised state),” Bobis added.

While senior citizens are eligible for free flu shots at public health centers, hospitals and doctors can provide the vaccine to other recommended age groups.

The DOH has recorded 10,784 cases of ILI in Ilocos Region as of Dec. 16, 2023.

Bobis said it is 36.7 percent higher than the recorded ILI cases in the region in 2022 which was 7,887.

“Para sa ating paghahanda, patuloy na binabantayan ng DOH ang dami ng kaso sa loob ng bansa habang nakikipag-ugnayan ang ahensya ng kalusugan sa ibang bansa, hinahanda rin natin ang ating mga kagamitan sa ating ospital sakaling magkaroon ng pagtaas ng kaso sa ating bansa. Hindi pa naman recommended na tayo ay mag-close ng border at mag-isolate dahil kaunti pa lamang ang kaso natin ng walking pneumonia at hindi pa naman ito idineklara as pandemic o as epidemic (The DOH is closely monitoring the number of “walking pneumonia” cases in the country. They are also strengthening coordination with health departments in other countries. The facilities have been prepared in case of a surge in cases in the country. However, since the illness has not yet been declared a pandemic or epidemic, the closure of borders and isolation are not recommended.),” he said.

He emphasized the importance of seeking timely medical attention to ensure a swift and safe recovery from any illness.

“This is non-life threatening, hindi kinakailangan ng hospitalization although katulad ng sinabi ko meron tayong ibang age group na maaring magkaroon ng severe disease dahil dito, kabilang na mga kabataan, nakatatanda at mga may comorbidities. So mahalaga pa rin na kapag may sintomas kayo ng kahit na anong ILI, pumunta sa pinakamalapit na doktor para tayo ay makasigurado at mabigyan ng karampatang lunas at hindi na magkaroon ng mga komplikasyon (If you experience influenza-like symptoms, it is crucial to visit a doctor and receive proper treatment to avoid complications. While hospitalization is not necessary for most cases, certain age groups such as children, senior citizens, and those with comorbidities may develop severe illness when infected),” he ended. (JCR/MJTAB/JMCQ, PIA Ilocos Sur)