DOH to list risk groups for A(H1N1), warns vs self-medication

MANILA, Philippines - In the wake of the first A(H1N1)-related death, the Department of Health (DOH) said Tuesday it will give out a list of people at high risk for A(H1N1) and cautioned anew the public against self-medication. Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also released an initial list of “risk groups," or people with diseases that A(H1N1) may aggravate. "Ang mga taong may dating karamdaman sa puso, sa baga at iba’t ibang bahagi ng kanilang katawan dapat mas lalong magpakonsulta at alamin kung ano ang mga payo ng inyong duktor. Uminom ng gamot nang regular, pero di ang nagse-self medicate, di yung iinom kayo matapos lamang kayo kumain ng sangkatutak ng litson ... Sa may malubhang karamdaman sa puso pag di nagpatingin dapat magpatingin kayo," Duque said in an interview on dzXL radio. [Those with diseases of the heart, lungs and other parts of the body must consult a doctor and take medicines. But they should not engage in self-medication. Those with heart problems must see a doctor immediately.] On Monday, Duque confirmed the first A(H1N1)-related death – a 49-year-old woman who he described as a friend and close to him. But he said the woman’s death was not necessarily due to A(H1N1) as she also had several complications. He also noted she was fond of self-medication. She refused to take medicine and engaged in self-medication and did not see a doctor until it was too late, he added. Duque said the DOH would release soon a complete list of risk groups, or people with medical conditions that A(H1N1) may aggravate. Considered at high risk against A(H1N1) are those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including that which is caused by smoking; tuberculosis, including active cases of pulmonary TB; diabetes, poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetes; and cancer. Pregnant women and those obese (undernutrition and malnutrition) are also included in the list. "Babala natin sa buntis, nalaman natin sa ibang bansa, ang pagiging buntis ay risk factor. Dapat pinangangalagaan ng todo and mga ito [Pregnancy is a risk factor and pregnant women should get extra care]," Duque noted. On the other hand, he said these conditions should be treated “with or without" A(H1N1), saying people who have these conditions are “walking time bombs." Duque said a complete list of people considered at high risk with A(H1N1) would be published in newspapers. But despite the situation, Duque said national government hospitals would give only limited free treatment to A(H1N1) cases. Only those confirmed having the disease would get free treatment. - GMANews.TV