New year, new variant this is how we start our 2022. Due to the highly mutated Omicron variant, coronavirus infection will probably continue rising and will cause another “serious surge”.

As the country faces another variant of concern, it is important to know what Omicron is, how it starts and what are the symptoms of this new COVID-19 variant?

The multiple variations of Omicron may lead to more aggressive resistance to current vaccines. Triple mutations in the strain suggest stronger immune capacity.

Since the first detection of this strain on November 09, 2021, it has spread to 106 countries and regions as of December 21, 2021.

On December 12, 2021, The WHO said that the Omicron strain is more contagious compared to the Delta strain, as suggested by early data obtained from relevant studies, and that it could undermine the potency of vaccines but cause less severe symptoms.

On December 15, 2021, A report issued by the WHO revealed that the Omicron strain has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of vaccines and puts exposed individuals at a higher risk of contracting this strain.

On December 31, 2021, The Department of Health detected 10 more Omicron cases - three of which are local cases. According to the DOH, there is already a “high possibility” of local transmission of the COVID-19 Omicron variant in the Philippines. Following the detection of the three local Omicron cases, Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced last Friday, December 31, 2021, that Metro Manila will be placed under Alert 3 from January 3 to 15, 2022 - cutting short Alert Level 2 in the region.

Fr. Austriaco, a Filipino priest/microbiologist, says that a rapid increase in cases is to be expected. However, he is optimistic that Omicron might actually be a blessing and may signal the end of the pandemic. “We have to realize that Omicron is the beginning of the end of the pandemic because Omicron is going to provide the kind of population immunity that should stabilize our societies and should allow us to reopen,” he said speaking during a GoNegosyo Townhall. He followed saying the surge caused by Omicron will be mild cases with lesser hospitalizations and fatalities. “It’s milder, but if you’re unvaccinated, it’s still harder for you,” he added.

Getting infected by Omicron comes with its own symptoms and to achieve immunity from this strain once infected, recovery is still the goal.

To date, the known symptoms of Omicron are as follows:

• Sore Muscles
• Fever
• Dry Cough/Sore Throat
• Extreme Tiredness

The DOH reported 17,220 additional infections bringing total active cases to 56,561. They have reported 43 known cases of the variant.

Reminders on health protocols

There are many treatments that were not given much stress throughout the pandemic. Physiological, emotional, and psychological rehabilitation treatments also play a big part in battling this virus.

In China, there are three Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) to treat COVID-19 and we are very lucky to have one of these three TCMs registered and widely distributed in the Philippines - Lianhua Qingwen Capsule.

Of course, getting vaccinated is imperative and recommended for protection against the virus, as is getting a booster shot for more protection.

Following the preventive measures of social distancing, wearing of face mask, frequent hand washing, use of sanitizer alcohol, and keeping healthy by exercising, getting sunshine, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep. Early treatment is important. Do not wait until symptoms become worse before taking Lianhua Qingwen. Take it at the onset of symptoms to recover quickly. Remember the importance of the Philippine government’s PDITR +V strategy, which is Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate, and Vaccinate, which is sure to cut off transmission chains. Of course, with the cooperation of all the Filipinos, we can do our share to help control and manage the surge of COVID-19.

Hopefully, all this information will be of good use to the community, companies & organizations, and on a macro scale for local and national governments as the country goes through a “serious surge” of the Omicron Variant. This is a war between an elusive virus and man. If everyone works together, there will surely be success in this war against COVID-19. 

Despite its safety, Lianhua Qingwen is currently classified as a prescription drug (Rx)—requiring a doctor’s prescription. Prescription-holding consumers may purchase it in all Mercury Drug Stores, Southstar Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy, and TGP nationwide and other pharmacies at a suggested retail price of P288.00/box (24 capsules/box).

For more information on Lianhua Qingwen, visit www.philarchipelago.com or call tel. no. (02) 8361-7491 to 98 loc. 844.

Metro Manila is experiencing another “serious surge” in COVID- 19 cases according to the OCTA Research Group and has advised the government to impose a two-week lockdown to head off a deadly surge caused by the more transmissible Delta variant. We are now on our 3rd round of ECQ since the pandemic. New infections in Metro Manila could reach as high as 13,000 a day by the end of August. This is not the time to let our guards down. As a matter of fact, there is a need to urgently respond to the situation with great caution to effectively manage and control the spread of the virus.

Last July 13, 2021, The Department of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Service Institute in partnership with Philippine Archipelago international Trading Corporation hosted a webinar featuring prominent figures in Traditional Chinese Medicine which was instrumental in the pandemic management in China. The very timely webinar, entitled “Learning from the China Experience – Control and Surge Prevention”, highlighted both countries’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the current surge, we could make very good use of the learnings we garnered from the prominent speakers who attended our webinar. Two most important learnings gathered from all panelists include “Early Intervention” and “Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine with Comprehensive Rehabilitation Treatment.” 

The earlier we detect and treat, the better for us. Cooperation is vital to the efficacy of all preventive and control efforts. The implementation of a top-down, side-to-side, and bottom-up approach basically ensures that the paramount objective of having a proper communication and information dissemination to the entire community involving all sectors of society, is met. 

There are many treatments that we can do which was not given much stress throughout the pandemic. Physiological, emotional and psychological rehabilitation treatments also play a big part in battling this virus. There are three Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCM) to treat Covid-19 in China and we are very lucky to have one of these three TCMs registered and widely distributed in the Philippines -- Lianhua Qingwen Capsule.  

Academician Zhang Boli gave emphasis to the importance of medication in the cure, control and prevention of COVID-19. “Quarantine without medicine is only half the success”, said the Academician.

It was recently reported in the news that “The latest research findings from the team of Professor Yang Zifeng from the State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease in Guangzhou, China, have showed that Chinese medicine Lianhua Qingwen has an effective inhibitory action on the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2.”(https://www.djournal.com/tcm-lianhua-qingwen-shows-stable-in-vitro-antiviral-effect-on-the-delta-variant-expert/article_0e45c492-b497-5198-ac78-e3d97f454d19.html). In fact, its anti-viral functions are effective against not just the Delta, but also the Alpha and Beta variants as well. 

Of course, getting vaccinated is imperative and recommended for protection against the virus. However, it will take more time before we reach herd immunity. Vaccine supplies need to catch up with the demand. 

Meanwhile, we still need to follow the preventive measure of social distancing, wearing face masks and shield, washing hands frequently, using sanitizer alcohol and keeping healthy by exercising, getting sunshine, eating healthy and getting enough sleep. But should we catch the COVID-19 virus despite observing safety protocols, after all the Delta variant is said to be airborne, we must go for early treatment. As Dr. Zhang Boli said, quarantine + medication is key. Do not wait until your symptoms become worse before taking Lianhua Qingwen, take it at the onset of symptoms and recover quickly. Remember the importance of Philippine government’s PDITR +V strategy which is Prevent, Detect, Isolate, Treat, Reintegrate and Vaccinate, which is sure to cut off the transmission chain according to Contact Tracing Czar, Baguio Mayor Benjie Magalong. And of course, with the cooperation of all the Filipinos, we can do our share to help control and manage the surge of COVID-19.

As we go through another hard lockdown because of the Delta Variant, we hope that all this information will come to good use in our own lives, companies and organization, and on a macro scale for local and national governments. This is a war between an elusive virus and man.  And if we all work together we will succeed and win this war against COVID-19. 

Despite its safety, Lianhua Qingwen’s current classification is Prescription Drug (Rx)—requiring a doctor’s prescription. Prescription-holding consumers may purchase in all Mercury Drug Stores, Southstar Drug, Watsons, Rose Pharmacy and TGP nationwide and other pharmacies at a suggested retail price of P288.00/box (24 capsules/box).

For more information on Lianhua Qingwen, visit www.philarchipelago.com or call tel. no. (02) 8361-7491 to 98 loc. 844.