Annual flu shot does not guarantee protection vs COVID-19, says medical expert

You feel safe from flu-related diseases after you had your annual flu jab.

Think again!

Dr. Jumel V. Bornilla, chief executive officer of the International Travelers Medical Center (ITMC) located at Makati Palace Hotel, pointed out that people who receive their annual flu shot are not spared from getting other diseases like the dreaded COVID-19.

"First and foremost, the flu vaccine is designed to prevent infections with influenza viruses, which are very different than coronaviruses. However, if you had your annual flu shot and unluckily you were infected by the COVID-19, it would be easier for the health care workforce to delineate nonspecific symptoms such as fever and cough, which overlap with symptoms of COVID-19 and influenza virus," said Bornilla, during an online interview March 20.

"As SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is spreading in communities around the world, distinguishing between flu and COVID-19 will become more difficult. On the bright side, it is 'incredibly rare,' to catch both the flu and COVID-19 at once," the medical expert explained.

Bornilla reiterated that getting the annual anti-flu jab does not guarantee protection all the time.

"When a patient asks me if they will be protected against flu after getting the jab, I would always reply to them that, it will all depend on their immune system’s capability to trigger an immune response and that includes production of antibodies that can block infection."

Bornilla added: "People who are vaccinated with anti-flu form antibodies (proteins), which destroy the influenza virus after the person is exposed. It generally takes about two weeks to make these antibodies. The vaccine usually protects 50 to 80 percent of those who are vaccinated from getting the flu;

"If you do get the flu after being vaccinated, your symptoms are likely to be milder and last for a shorter time compared with people who were not vaccinated," he said.

"While vaccine effectiveness can vary, a guarantee of you not getting the flu after the jab is not a 100 percent. There are uncertainties in science and this one is one of the many mysteries of science which pushes researchers and scientists to study and perfect the dynamism of this continuously mutating virus," he added.

Amid all the questions and mysteries in medicine, Bornilla reminded the people that doctors are not God who cannot assure certainty.

"There are still mysteries left unanswered, that’s why science has a long way to go to reach perfection, hopefully in the near future, hopefully in our lifetime," said Bornilla.

Also, ITMC launched Telemedicine Philippines in which patients can consult to doctors online. Just sign up at www.telemedph.com and video call a doctor without leaving your home.

Bornilla explained the difference between a Travelers Clinic and a Regular Medical Clinic.

A Travelers Medical Center is a physician-operated practice dedicated to providing quality medical care involving all aspects of travel. Our staff have received specialized training in the treatment and prevention of travel-related infections and illnesses, including pre-travel counseling, evaluation for necessary vaccines, and infection prophylaxis.

Although patients can still receive regular medical care at our facility, even if you’re not a traveler or not intending to travel. If you need specialized medical treatments not related to travel, ITMC can still accommodate you, no matter who you are, no matter what specific medical services you need. ITMC, accommodates walk-ins, travelers or non-travelers alike.

Founded in 2019, the ITMC is the first and only medical concierge traveler's medical clinic in the Philippines offering vaccinations, laboratory examinations, lab works and consultation. Bornilla partners with Manix Genabe in this medical project.

ITMC is located at Unit 01 Lower Ground Floor Makati Palace Hotel 5011 P. Burgos St. Makati City. Contact details are: (02) 8256 9396 • 0905 408 5010. - Robert R. Requintina