MANILA, PHILIPPINES – When veteran actor Joel Torre’s face appeared on a “Missing” billboard in a major highway, social media, fans were left both puzzled and concerned. However, the campaign soon revealed its true purpose: a thought-provoking advocacy effort to raise awareness about Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and how it may affect over 9.2 million Filipino seniors in the country.
This innovative campaign not only highlights the risks of RSV but also serves as a platform for Joel Torre to reflect on his life and health.
“When the concept was proposed to me, I found it so intriguing. The idea of ‘going missing’ to highlight a health message felt fresh and impactful. It immediately got me thinking about how health issues can suddenly take us away from the people we love,” shared Joel Torre on his insights about the campaign.
Cherishing Life’s Milestones
Looking back on his life and career, Joel admitted that work often kept him away from family milestones. “There have been birthdays, anniversaries, and school events I’ve missed,” he confessed. “While I regret missing some of those moments, they’ve taught me to value the time I have now. I look forward to being truly present, and that starts with taking proactive measures about health.”
After learning about RSV and its serious implications for seniors, Joel felt compelled to participate in the campaign. “As a senior myself, I understand how vulnerable we are, especially those of us with comorbidities,” he shared. “We’re at a higher risk of severe RSV infections because of our weakened immune systems. JT adds “The more I learned about it, the more I felt it was my responsibility to help spread awareness.”
Wake-Up Call for Seniors
Joel’s personal connection to the campaign goes beyond his role as its face. Reflecting on his experiences, Joel shared how he has lost many friends to various illnesses over the years. “It’s heartbreaking to see people you care about gone too soon,” he said. “It made me realize that I don’t want my family and friends to experience that kind of loss because of me. That’s why I’m determined to take better care of my health and encourage others to do the same.”
RSV, a widespread yet lesser-known respiratory virus, transmits through inhalation or contact with respiratory secretions from those infected. It typically manifests symptoms such as congestion, cough, wheezing, and low-grade fever. Seniors are at an increased risk for severe infections from RSV that may lead to hospitalization and death, due to their declining immune systems.8 More concerning is that there is no specific treatment for RSV in adults, making preventive measures even more critical.
This realization drives Joel’s message to fellow seniors: “Don’t wait for a health scare to take action. Be proactive. Regular check-ups and preventive measures, like asking your doctor about RSV, can make all the difference.”
To those who hesitate to take proactive steps, Joel offers heartfelt advice: “Think of your family, your friends, and the memories you want to create with them. Protecting yourself from illnesses like RSV isn’t just for you—it’s for the people who love you, too.”
As Joel Torre continues to inspire through his work and advocacy, his participation in this campaign underscores an urgent call to action: take control of your health by asking your doctor how to keep seniors protected against RSV, and cherish the moments that truly matter. His story reminds us all that safeguarding our health is a gift not only to ourselves but also to the loved ones who depend on us.
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8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2023. RSV in Older Adults and Adults with Chronic Medical Conditions. Retrieved February 4, 2025 from: https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/older-adults.html
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