The Department of Health (DOH) reminded the public to immediately self-isolate if they experience flu-like symptoms amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said that influenza or flu and COVID-19 almost have similar signs and symptoms.
"Marami po ngayon ang nagkakaroon ng trangkaso na dulot ng panahon na meron tayo ngayon. It is the season para magkaroon ng ganitong flu (A lot of people are having the flu because of the weather we have now. It's the season to get this flu)," said Vergeire in a televised briefing on Saturday, July 24.
"Kailangan ating isipin na very similar ang signs and symptoms ng flu sa COVID-19. Pananakit ng katawan, lagnat, masakit ang lalamunan, sinisipon. Kapag nagkaroon ng ganitong sintomas, agad-agad na tayo na mag-isolate (We need to keep in mind that the signs and symptoms of the flu are very similar to COVID-19. Body pain, fever, sore throat, mucus. If you have such symptoms, isolate immediately)," she said.
Vergeire said it is best to get tested to know if the person has been infected with SARS-CoV-2 or the virus that causes COVID-19.
“The only way for us to know kung ito ay COVID or hindi ay magpapatest tayo. Isolate yourself, have yourself tested para alam natin kung ano ang inyong estado (The only way for us to know if it is COVID or not is to take the test. Isolate yourself, have yourself tested so you may know what your health status is),” she said.