Dr. Marvin L. Manzanero

17/12/2025

The “super flu” - H3N2

As this new strain of influenza A virus continues to spread, it is rather important to note the following:

* Symptoms and severity are similar to the other flu viruses currently in circulation
* The overall clinical management doesn’t change and since it is a virus, antibiotics won’t work!
* Vulnerable populations for complications remain the same - children < 5, adults > 60, pregnant women, those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, obese, cancer to name a few
* Prevention measures remain the same - proper hand washing and respiratory etiquette, avoiding closed spaces or those with limited ventilation, avoiding those who are ill and for those that are sick - please exercise all prevention methods!

So what’s all the buzz about?

Well, this subclade K of H3N2 has 3 mutations that are making it easier to evade the acquired immunity we have and thus it is more contagious. That higher contagion rate is what is driving the numbers and these are expected to increase through the Christmas / winter season; those higher numbers is what is overwhelming some health systems!

As always, prevention is better and key in minimizing risks at all levels!

And yes, the annual flu shot offers levels of protection against disease severity!

As always, we are guided by science, not beliefs or anecdotes!

Stay alert and safe!

16/12/2025

A poor sleep pattern is associated with so many health risks!

How was your sleep last night?

The right amount of sleep – 7 to 9 hours for most adults – can help lower your stress and give you more energy.

But the opposite is also true. Poor sleep can zap your energy and make you less able to cope with stress, especially in this busy time of year.

Consider this your friendly reminder to turn in on time tonight!

11/12/2025

Indeed, and as I tell my patients, I don’t like the term “diet” given the many misconceptions tied to the word.

It is a process of a healthy eating and drinking pattern.

Eggs have been unfairly demonized over the years, but it’s time to set the record straight. Contrary to popular belief, the yolk is a rich source of nutrients, vitamins, and healthy fats. Eating eggs, even in larger quantities, doesn’t have the same negative impact on cholesterol levels that many once thought.

Brown eggs aren’t inherently healthier than white eggs; they offer the same nutritional benefits. The focus should be on how eggs fit into your overall diet, not on baseless myths. Incorporating eggs into your meals can be part of a balanced and healthy diet, supporting your body’s nutritional needs.

Let go of outdated beliefs and embrace eggs as a valuable part of your diet. They’re a rich source of protein and essential nutrients—perfect for a healthy lifestyle. 🍳🥚

11/12/2025

Flu strains

Viruses mutate and evolve and thus why we encounter evolving cases of the flu every year.

While I am not sure of the current circulating strain that we have in our midst, we need to exercise the same precautionary and preventive measures we learnt rather well 5 years ago. This, especially given the cases I am seeing in the outpatient setting, with some more complicated than others!

We also need to be mindful of the evolving strains in other jurisdictions as we note a new strain of H3N2 causing a rise in cases!

A “simple flu case” for you, may turn into a complicated case for some who are more vulnerable!

Let’s continue to exercise the necessary precautions, especially as family and work reunions become more frequent over the next couple of weeks!

01/12/2025

World AIDS Day is being observed today, December 1st!

This theme is clear: “Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response.”

Prevention is always better and so we must continue to educate and engage in all prevention strategies available to us as a community and on an individual basis!

28/11/2025

Thank you for the invitation!

Teaching / educating students and patients in general is something that drives me and so I welcomed this opportunity!

We keep at it!

24/11/2025

And the risk of having a stroke, heart attack or developing further complications such as kidney failure increase exponentially…

What is your blood pressure reading today?

Normal blood pressure is 120/80 and the lower it is, the healthier you are!

New WHO report finds 1.4 billion people live with .

Hypertension is the number one risk factor for:
‼️ Heart attack
‼️ Stroke

and can lead to:
‼️ Chronic kidney disease
‼️ Dementia

Get your blood pressure checked today! Learn more 👉 bit.ly/4nikP8v

19/11/2025

Men’s Day

As a passionate advocate for men’s health, especially in terms of mental, sexual and chronic diseases…men - today is the day to celebrate the essence of being a man.

For all those untold stories!

November 19th - International Men’s Day!

15/11/2025

The flu!

Yes, we are perhaps at the start of the “flu season” and no the flu is not caused by the rains and drop in temperature!

The hand hygiene and other respiratory etiquette that we emphasized during COVID remain at the core of prevention measures!

The annual flu vaccine also helps in minimizing disease severity!

I got my flu shot 3 weeks ago!

Have you gotten your flu shot this year?

14/11/2025

World diabetes day.

 Diabetes is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Belize. The IDF actually indicates that Belize has the third highest prevalence rate of diabetes in the region.

 The facts are clear!  Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness, it is one of the main risk factors for developing kidney and cardiac disease, a primary contributor for strokes and sexual dysfunction!

 Make sure that you are checking for it routinely and glucose checks should be done before any symptom starts to appear.

 if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, proper management is consistently needed to avoid complications!

 Let’s have a discussion about your glucose numbers!

12/11/2025

Thank you University of Belize for allowing me to have a candid and open discussion on these sexually transmitted infection topics.

I do appreciate and welcomed the feedback !

12/11/2025

Sounds simple enough?

This clear info graphic from the WHO reminds of of simple things we need to do on a daily basis to protect our brain!