DOH warns vs respiratory ailments due to cold weather

Department of Health officials advised the public to take precautions against respiratory ailments stemming from the prevailing cold weather. Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, the Health Department's program manager for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases, said sudden weather changes may particularly be a concern for those with asthma. "Sudden increase or decrease in temperature will have an effect on the lungs... Our bodies have to adjust to the climate," Lee Suy said in an interview on dzBB radio Wednesday. A separate report by dzBB's Carlo Mateo quoted National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Eric Tayag as saying children, the elderly and pregnant women are particularly vulnerable. Tayag said the cold weather is likely to be a factor behind acute respiratory tract infections, colds, coughs, and even flu. He urged the public to take vitamins, especially Vitamin C; wear extra layers of clothes; and eat nutritious food like fruits. Earlier, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration warned of cold temperatures in various parts of the country. PAGASA officer-in-charge Graciano Yumul Jr. particularly pointed out the temperatures in Baguio City, the country's summer capital, could go down to nine degrees Celsius. — LBG, GMANews.TV