Flu-like illnesses pose risks to the elderly: Diagnostics is key

 

With the onset of the rainy season, flu and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) have surged. The Department of Health (DOH) reported 9,491 cases nationwide from July 28 to August 10, marking a 55% increase from July 2023. 1

 

Influenza-like illnesses like respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 share symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, body aches, and headaches. Diagnosing them can be challenging due to their similarities. Hence, fast and reliable diagnostics is a must.

 

Globally, influenza causes 3 to 5 million severe cases and 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually. While it is typically easy to recover from, immunocompromised people aged 65 years and older are at risk due to complications.2,3

 

Respiratory syncytial virus, on the other hand, is responsible for 60,000-100,000 cases of hospitalizations among senior patients. “Patients with underlying conditions face a higher risk of hospitalization from RSV: up to twice as likely for asthma patients, six times for those with heart disease or diabetes, and 13 times for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),” said infectious disease specialist Dr. Rontgene Solante.

 

There is no specific treatment for RSV in adults, particularly in older patients, according to pulmonologist Dr. Lenora Fernandez. She said that RSV, however, can be prevented by regular hand washing, wearing masks, staying hydrated and well-rested, avoiding smoking and vaping, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. 4

 

Another risk to older patients is COVID-19. For ages 65-74, the risk is 60 times higher, 140 times for ages 75-84, and 340 times for those 85 and older. In May 2024, it averaged 319 daily cases, down from 500 daily in January. 5,6

 

Without testing, diagnosing influenza, RSV, or COVID-19 in older patients can be difficult. A fast and accurate RT-PCR test can help with implementing effective treatment. With Xpert® Cov-2/Flu/RSV plus PCR test, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV strains can be detected.7

 

To conclude, the surge in influenza-like illnesses, combined with the overlapping symptoms of flu, RSV, and COVID-19, underscores the importance of rapid and accurate diagnostic testing, particularly for vulnerable populations like senior patients. Preventative measures can be done to reduce infection risks. However, for effective treatment and management, timely diagnostics is essential.

 

To learn more about Xpert® Cov-2/Flu/RSV plus, you may contact a representative.

 

References:

  1. Dizon, D. Rains increase flu-like cases in past 3-4 weeks: DOH. 5 September 2024. Accessed 1 October 2024. https://news.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/health-wellness/2024/9/5/rains-increase-flu-like-cases-in-past-3-4-weeks-doh-1323
  2. World Health Organization (WHO). Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, RSV and other respiratory viruses. Accessed 1 October 2024. https://www.paho.org/en/topics/influenza-sars-cov-2-rsv-and-other-respiratory-viruses
  3. Flu and people 65 years and older. Centers for Disease and Risk Prevention. Accessed 2 October 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/65over.htm.
  4. Montemayor, M.T. Philippine News Agency. 22 June 2024. Accessed 2 October 2024. https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1227442
  5. Underlying conditions and the higher risk for severe COVID-19. Centers for Disease and Risk Prevention. Accessed 3 October 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/covid/hcp/clinical-care/underlying-conditions.html
  6. The Reason for the Season: why flu strikes in winter. Science in the News. Harvard.edu. 1 December 2014. Accessed 3 October 2024. https://sitn.hms.harvard.edu/flash/2014/the-reason-for-the-season-why-flu-strikes-in-winter/
  7. Villaruel, J.E. Philippines maintains ‘low risk’ status for COVID-19. ABS-CBN News online. 5 June 2024. Accessed 3 October 2024. https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/6/4/ph-maintains-low-risk-status-for-covid-19-1445
  8. Stockl, J. Tucker, J. Certa, A. Beaubrun, K. Schwebke. (2023). Use of antigen and molecular testing for Coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) among patients with influenza-like illness (ILI) in the non-inpatient setting. J Mol Diagn, 25(11) (S1-S186): S53. https://www.jmdjournal.org/article/S1525-1578%2823%2900249-0/pdf

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