Moms are the true jacks of all trade. On top of the many
roles they fulfill, they also need to be the go-to first-aider of the family.
This job includes knowing the truths from the myths about common illnesses that
are often taken for granted.
Now that it is once again high time for flu, the recent
Expo Mom 2018 held in Glorietta, Makati invited moms from all over Metro Manila
to be further empowered with crucial information about keeping their families
safe and healthy. The #Mompowerment campaign creates a community of moms who
share personal and relatable stories on how to deal with the ups and downs of
motherhood including dreaded contagious illnesses for both children and adults.
Dr. May Montellano, Professor in Pediatrics - FEU-NRMF,
Vice President of International Society for Tropical Pediatrics and mom
herself, provided an expert’s point-of-view on why moms should pay close
attention to what everyone dismisses as the common cold. As the first-aiders in
their homes, moms are the key to keeping the family safe from influenza. The
first step is learning about the disease and the different ways it can be
prevented:
1. Flu is not
the same as common cold.
Flu and common cold most of the time are considered
synonymous due to similar symptoms of the two diseases. However, moms should
keep in mind that flu is more severe than common cold. Bed rest and drinking
plenty of water do not always work on flu, as it is caused by a viral
infection. Moms should be vigilant because if flu is not treated properly it
can result to severe implications.
2. Spreading
flu is inevitable.
Part of growing up is to play with other children.
Unfortunately, flu is one of the most contagious diseases that can easily
spread through contact. It is important for moms to teach the proper coughing
etiquette to their children to avoid spreading the virus. Usage of disposable
tissue to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing is highly
recommended. If it is not available, it is better to cough or sneeze into the
upper arm or sleeve to avoid using one’s hands. Being exposed to many bacteria,
it’s important for children to learn to clean their hands after playing.
3. Rainy
season is flu season.
The start of the school year is also the start of the rainy
season and the cold weather often brings the flu virus. Moms are advised to
take extra precautionary measures during this time and be more observant with
their children’s health. While the cases of flu are more rampant during this
time, the outbreaks of flu for tropical countries like the Philippines are
irregular and are occurring throughout the year.
4. Adults are
just as susceptible to flu as children are.
As much as adults would want to protect their little ones,
parents need to know that they too are potential carriers of the disease.
Parents can also get flu from their surroundings, especially in their workplace
and pass it on to their children at home. The risks of getting flu are even
greater for pregnant women that they can have spontaneous abortions or get
pneumonia from the disease.
5. Prevention
is always better than the cure.
Moms would always want to rock motherhood in the most
practical way possible, but as the cliché goes, “health is better than wealth.”
In considering the costs in treating flu, people often discount the indirect
costs they shoulder when they have flu. One of which is the loss of
productivity. Whether it’s the children missing school, adults missing work, or
the whole family missing out on a vacation, curing flu can be more expensive
than preventing it.
Moms know better than to take a common disease for granted.
They do not need to worry about such illnesses because they know the
precautionary measures they can take to protect their loved ones from
vaccine-preventable disease. From imparting good health habits to getting the
whole family vaccinated, moms can embody #Mompowerment in knowing the truths
about flu and choosing to act against it.
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