ILOILO City – As the “ber” months set in, bringing colder temperatures, the Department of Health (DOH) Region 6 reminds the public to boost their immune systems. This advisory follows the surge in influenza-like illness cases.
“We have received several reports of increased flu-like symptoms,” said DOH-6 Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit head Dr. Mary Jane Roches Juanico-Esteva.
Between Jan. 1 and Sept. 16 of this year, the region reported 3,674 flu cases with 139 deaths – 15 percent higher than the 3,199 cases with 26 deaths in the same period last year.
Esteva noted that while children in schools are prone to flu, DOH-6 prioritizes monitoring vulnerable groups such as immunocompromised individuals and senior citizens, who could develop severe complications.
“For the vulnerable population naton delikado because kon indi matatapan dayon, they can have another superimposed bacterial infection. Kay ti kon may ara sila viral infection naganubo man ang ila resistensya,” explained Esteva.
With the increased cases of flu infection in the cooler months, the viral load also increased. The public, especially those showing early signs of flu, are urged to eat nutritious foods, take vitamins, drink plenty of fluids, and get eight hours of regular sleep.
Furthermore, individuals experiencing flu symptoms for over two days are encouraged to visit the nearest hospital or health center to manage the symptoms, undergo necessary laboratory testing for other flu-like viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus, or get vaccinated.
“Kung nagadugay na experience sang flu kag may iban pa gid nga sintomas mahimu sila magpakonsulta sa pinakalapit nga health centers and hospitals so that they can be tested for common viruses,” Esteva also said.
She emphasized that even before the coronavirus pandemic, DOH-6 had been promoting a healthy lifestyle.
While coronavirus cases have gradually lowered, she reminded that the virus is still present and emphasized the importance of preventive measures.
On Sept. 30, Western Visayas reported 1,934 active cases of COVID-19 – 48.14 percent were asymptomatic cases, 45.60 percent were mild cases, 4.76 percent were moderate cases, and 1.45 percent were severe. The region has a daily average of six cases from Sept. 24 to 30.
Is Wearing Facemasks Mandatory?
According to Esteva, while the COVID-19 guidelines no longer mandate wearing facemasks, it remains encouraged.
“They should wear masks para indi naman malatnan ang iban. And if they are a vulnerable population, they should also wear masks para indi sila malatnan sang iban,” she added.
In the meantime, Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. assigned Dr. Maria Socorro Colmenares-Quiñon, head of the Iloilo Provincial Health Office, to investigate flu case reports in the province.
“I will ask. Tan-awon ta gid man kon may ara gid man [increase in flu cases]; why not if they want to wear [facemasks]?” Defensor said when asked if he would make facemasks mandatory again.
From Jan. 1 to Sept. 6 this year, Iloilo recorded 1,929 cases with one death due to influenza-like illnesses – 25 percent higher than the 1,534 cases and 11 deaths in the same period last year.
This week, the DOH central office said they are expecting the incidence of influenza-like illnesses in the country to continue to rise due to the “proliferation of viruses” during the rainy season and cooler months.
As of Sept. 16, DOH data showed that a total of 13,637 cases of influenza-like illnesses have been reported since the start of the year. This is an 8 percent increase from the confirmed infections two weeks ago.
The health department noted that influenza-like illness cases in the past month increased, attributing the case trend to the transitioning weather conditions — from increased heat and high humidity in the summer to wet and damp weather conditions.
According to the World Health Organization, an influenza-like illness is defined as an acute respiratory infection with a measured fever of 38 degrees Celsius and above, accompanied by a cough for around 10 days./PN
