The Flu Fairytale

"Once there was a beautiful young princess who lived in a big castle. She had everything she wanted; her parents gave her the most precious toys in the land.

But a room full of toys still failed to make her happy. She was never allowed to go out. The king and queen were worried about the terrible disease brought by a wicked witch that made a lot of people sick in town. So they waited for the good fairies to come and help them.

Until one day, the fairies came with a magic potion that will protect everyone from the dreadful disease that cursed the town. The king and queen were overjoyed when the helpful fairies gave them and the princess, a dose of the magic potion.

The young princess was very happy because she’s free to explore, once again! Since then, the town and its people became peaceful for a very long time.

And they all lived healthily ever after."

Okay, so I had to make up a flu fairytale when I was running out of ideas to convince my little girl to get vaccinated. She loves to read stories, and I thought this was a subtle way to convince her not to fear being injected. I even let her draw the princess and the ‘magic potion’ to complete the story. But we all know that life is no fairytale, and we have to face the harsh realities that we encounter on a daily basis, while searching for the happily (or healthily) ever after.

Currently, one of the harsh realities we have to deal with is the Influenza A(H1N1) virus that is continuously raising panic among countries due to the increasing number of cases and death reportedly caused by it. In times like this, we rely on both science and divine intervention to help us get through.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), efforts are underway to develop a vaccine covering the new flu virus strain. The best that we could do at the moment is to observe utmost vigilance, do preventive health practices, strengthen our immune system and get the currently available seasonal vaccine, for protection over other severe illnesses that kill 250,000 to 500,000 people each year.

I am relieved that my daughter and I were already Bakunado with the Vaxigrip Flu vaccine through Sanofi Pasteur Philippines’ Flu Awareness and Prevention Seminar, held at Max’s Tiendesitas last March 7, 2009. I am also glad to say that to date, we haven’t experienced any side effect - no fever or flu, unlike the common misconception that most people contract them, after undergoing vaccination.

I admit it gave me a certain degree of confidence knowing that both of us are shielded from several Influenza virus strains that can attack anyone anytime, especially those who are most vulnerable.

Who should be vaccinated?

* Any person who desires to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza
* Children 6-59 months
* Adults and children with risk factors:
- Chronic cardiovascular disease (e.g. congestive heart failure, hypertensive
cardiovascular disease, valvular heart disease, rheumatic heart disease, stroke)
- Chronic lung disease (e.g. COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis, malignancies, chronic PTB)
- Chronic metabolic disease (diabetes)
- Chronic renal dysfunction
- Hemoglobinopathies
* Children and adolescents who are receiving long term aspirin therapy
* Immunosuppressed or those with weakened immune system
* Residents of nursing homes and chronic care facilities
* Pregnant women on their 2nd and 3rd trimester who have not received their flu
vaccine within the last 12 months
* Persons who can transmit influenza to those at risk: health care workers and other
personnel of out patient care settings, hospitals, nursing homes, and chronic care
facilities; Household contacts and caregivers of person at risk
* Persons who provide essential and emergency community services, students and
other persons in institutional settings

Source: http://www.bakuna.ph

An ounce of prevention is always better than a pound of cure. And like any responsible individual, we need to act now than regret when it’s already too late.

What preventive measures have you taken to ensure your health safety and that of your family? Are you ready to respond to the challenge of being immunized from flu? Then arm yourself with more flu facts by visiting http://www.bakuna.ph to learn why this is one of the important life-saving shots you should get today.

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Believe me, it's not as painful as it looks!

I told you I am SO getting a Flu vaccine for myself and the Little Lady.

Well, we did!

Last March 7, Sanofi Pasteur Philippines, in collaboration with Nuffnang Philippines, conducted the 2nd wave of the Flu Awareness and Prevention Seminar at Max’s Tiendesitas, Pasig City. I was given the opportunity to attend this event along with fellow bloggers, parents and their children alike.

No less than Sanofi Pasteur’s medical director, Dr. Ruby Mendoza-Dizon talked about Influenza and its potential harmful implications especially during flu season.

We usually dismiss the common cold and cough as a normal occurrence during season transitions that can be remedied by popping a cold medicine, taking cough syrup, increased fluid intake and bed rest. But not everybody is aware that it could lead to Flu – a highly contagious respiratory disease that can be life-threatening to high-risk individuals of all ages.

I had been a victim of Flu on many occasions and have painfully survived it by taking doctor-prescribed medicines and ample bed rest, but it also resulted to a lot of absences from work. Nobody knows if I’d be as lucky to recover easily with the next strain of Flu virus that will hit me, so when Nuffnang invited me for the second time (that’s right, because I missed the first one), I made sure to grab the chance of getting bakunado and being protected from the Influenza virus for the rest of the year. The vaccine costs around P1,500-P2,000 per shot – the exact same amount of savings I had that day, multiplied by two!

I thought the Little Lady won’t qualify for vaccination because she had colds that time. Some vaccines have certain limitations, but Vaxigrip turns out to be generally safe for everyone except for those who have genuine allergy or hypersensitivity to eggs. It's a killed vaccine, which means contrary to a popular misconception, it will not cause anyone to get the Flu after being vaccinated. There is also no need to be isolated from other family members in the household, and one can resume normal activities after receiving it.

Here's a video of my Little Lady taking the Flu shot in painful anticipation - facial expression and all, only to be surprised when it turned out to be painless!


"Sorry, Mom. I did not believe you," was all she said after the shot. I told her earlier that "It will only feel like an ant bite" (I didn't believe this either, but what's a mom got to say?) Lucky for us, the one who administered the vaccine - Sanofi's Product Manager Ms. Bing Sonsona, did it painlessly perfect. No side effects, no sore arms!

Huh, that's it?

With Nuffnang beauties Jing and Roanna

Thank you Sanofi Pasteur and Nuffnang! :)

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I’m glad that the cold month of January is finally over. Although it was refreshing to feel the cold breeze outdoors, to sleep and wake up without the need for extra air from the fan or the AC, the downside of it was the cough and colds it brought to half of our family members. These are common illnesses, I know, but when they inflict children and the elderly, they become a serious cause of concern.

My parents who are both senior citizens, caught the virus last month. I was particularly worried about my father who is suffering from Congestive Heart Failure, when his cough lasted for weeks despite the aid of medication and natural supplements.

During a follow up check up with his doctor, he was advised to undergo Flu vaccination to protect him from the Influenza virus before the onset of Flu season, which is from June to November. Apart from being 72 years old, his chronic heart disease and weakened immune system put him highly at risk of contracting the disease.

I admit it was a wake up call.

What is Influenza?

We commonly refer to Flu or Trangkaso as the combination of colds, cough, persistent fever, coupled with muscle and joint pain that just goes away in a week or two on its own or with the help of some fever medicine and increased fluid intake.

Little do most people know that Influenza, a communicable viral respiratory illness caused by a virus that attacks primarily the upper respiratory tract, poses a serious risk to very young children, elderly people and those who suffer from medical conditions such as Diabetes, Cancer, lung diseases, kidney and heart problems, as it may lead to critical complications and even death.

Why get a Flu vaccine?

Given that Influenza (identified as the 5th leading cause of illness in the Philippines in 2006) is indeed life threatening, we need all the protection we can get to ward off the risk of catching this fatal disease. Aside from strengthening one’s immune system by taking vitamins, other health supplements and leading a generally healthy lifestyle, it is also imperative to get a Flu vaccine every year, for optimum protection against the varying virus strains that circulate every Flu season.

Except for those who are allergic to eggs and other components of the Flu vaccine, I believe that not only senior citizens, very young children and individuals that are most at risk need to get vaccinated. Everyone needs to be protected. That’s why just like my Mom and Dad, I am definitely getting the vaccine for both myself and my 7-year old daughter.

The cost of a flu shot may cause a slight strain in the family budget, but consider its long term benefits of not worrying over hospitalization and medication bills that eventually drain the family savings, missing out on work and the physical and emotional stress that goes with an illness. It is one of the best investments a person can make to secure his health and well being.

Stop Flu now!

Sanofi Pasteur Philippines, manufacturer of Vaxigrip - one of the best Flu vaccines in the market today, is one of the leading advocates in the ongoing nationwide campaign against Flu. You too, can be a part of this campaign by talking about the disease and the significance of getting vaccinated against Flu to your family and friends.

To get to know more about Flu facts, visit http://www.bakuna.ph and consider getting Bakunado now!