BRAND TALK
Help the fight against polio and measles in the Philippines
Every parent or guardian has two major roles to play in eradicating polio and measles in the country. The first is to give their children the proper vaccine; the other is to spread awareness to others that immunization is the key to prevent all Filipino children from getting these diseases.
Polio and measles spread faster within an unvaccinated population. The Department of Health (DOH) has launched the Measles Rubella-Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization campaign to vaccinate 9.4 million children for measles and 6.9 million children for the oral polio vaccine to stop possible outbreaks in the future.
What is polio?
Poliomyelitis, or polio, is an infectious disease that attacks the nervous system and may cause paralysis in children in extreme cases. It is caused by the poliovirus, which is often spread through contact with infected feces or stool. Children who are sick with polio can also spread the virus to other children when they cough or sneeze.
Not all children show signs of the infection, but those who do experience fever, sore throat, fatigue, and stomach pain. A small number of children may die from the disease.
What is measles?
Measles, or rubeola, may look like a simple rash but it is an infection that can be fatal to small children. Like polio, it can spread to others through coughing, sneezing, or by touching infected surfaces.
Signs of measles include fever, dry cough, runny nose, sore throat, and watery eyes. It may seem like the simple flu at first, but in a few days, the distinct measles rash also appears on the skin. These rashes usually appear on children’s faces as flat red spots and spread to their neck, arms, legs, and feet. If left untreated, they may suffer complications like pneumonia or swelling of the brain which can lead to death.
Children under the age of 5 are the most at risk, but polio and measles can be prevented by following these guidelines.
- Have your child vaccinated against measles and polio as soon as possible.
- Ensure that your drinking water is always clean.
- Make sure that food is properly cooked before eating it.
- Encourage proper handwashing before and after eating, playing, and going to the toilet.
- Keep your house clean and sanitized.
- Visit your child’s doctor regularly for health check-ups.
Immunization is the best way to keep your child safe from polio and measles. If you think your child is exhibiting symptoms or has been exposed to someone infected with these diseases, contact your doctor immediately.
Join the fight to end polio and measles in the Philippines. Get your child vaccinated free of charge at the next phase of the immunization campaign. Share this article with your friends to spread the awareness about these diseases. Follow the Department of Health Facebook page to stay updated on its health campaigns.