DOH to devotees : Avoid self-flagellation

With Holy Week just around the corner, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday called on those planning to engage in flagellations during Lenten season to avoid doing such acts and instead choose other forms of sacrifice. (PNA photo)

MANILA — With Holy Week just around the corner, the Department of Health (DOH) on Monday called on those planning to engage in flagellations during Lenten season to avoid doing such acts and instead choose other forms of sacrifice.

“Maganda sana, tigilan na natin yong mga self-flagellation kasi hindi naman natin alam kung ano talaga ang idinudulot nito. Kung gusto natin magsakripisyo marami naman ibang sakripisyo na baka mas maganda pa (It will be better if they will instead stop (referring to self-flagellation) as there is really no known benefits of doing this),” DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said in a press briefing at UST Hospital in Manila.

Duque said it will be better for those who have intention to flagellate to instead do acts that will help the least disadvantaged sectors of society.

Describing the risk of self-flagellation, he said that the developing tetanus due to such acts can lead to death.

He said it is only when the person reaches that point wherein they will begin to realize that they should not have done it from the start.

However, in case they are really determined to do it, he said they should take proper precautions.

“Maganda na din yong magpabakuna sila ng anti-tetanus shots para maibsan ang tetanus. Kasi madumi, kahit sabihin mo linisan nating ang pampalo… madumi talaga yan,” (It is better that they get vaccinated with anti-tetanus shots to lessen the severity of tetanus. Even if you say the whips are cleansed, they will eventually get dirty),” Duque said.

Duque added that materials that are usually used by flagellants can be risky, becoming a source of tetanus infection.

Tetanus, or lockjaw, is a serious infection caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. The condition can develop from infected wounds, cuts, or lesions.

Possibility that sharp objects used for whipping during flagellations such as nails for those who will be crucified can be infected if they are not properly cleansed or sterilized, or was exposed to dirt in soil prior to crucifixion.

Tetanus causes severe muscle spasms, affects the brain and nervous system, and may even lead to death.

In the past, the agency had been advising flagellants to ensure that the nails or any other objects that will be used in hitting themselves be sterilized first.

Tetanus shots can be freely availed of in health centers.