Infectious disease expert Rontgene Solante said influenza-like illness (ILI) cases, characterized by cough, body aches, sore throat, and occasional fever, are prevalent in most regions of the Philippines due to changes in weather patterns.

"This is brought about by reasons na medyo malamig na, medyo maraming days na tag-ulan (that it is quite cold and there are quite a few rainy days). It’s also the same pattern of increase in the cases as we had last year," Solante, who is also the president of the Philippine College of Physicians, said in a televised interview on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

He pointed out that the country consistently experiences an increase in ILI cases from August to November, with elevated numbers continuing into early January.

How flu spreads

"We have to remind everyone na just like Covid-19, madaling magkahawaan 'yan through droplets or aerosols. So ibig sabihin 'pag mayroong isa dyan o dalawang nagkakasakit, and then 'yung physical distance, hindi na natin na-observe ngayon, especially sa mga paaralan, sa mga public areas, mataas talaga ang risk ng infection or transmission (It easily spreads through droplets or aerosols. This means that when there are one or two sick individuals, and physical distancing measures are not being observed, especially in schools and public areas, the risk of infection or transmission is significantly high)," Solante explained.

He emphasized the importance of public education on wearing facemasks as a barrier to infection, particularly for vulnerable populations, as severe cases of ILI can occur.

"Kung sino man 'yung mga may sintomas, we highly advise na 'wag munang papasok, you have to rest, sa bahay lang muna (Whoever has symptoms, we highly advise not to go to work or school for now. You need to rest and stay at home)," he added.

Solante said ILI symptoms typically disappear within three to four days, but staying at home is important to protect others and prevent the spread of the illness.

He also highlighted the growing challenge of distinguishing between Covid-19 and influenza due to their increasingly similar symptoms, with the new omicron variant of Covid complicating the diagnostic process.

“Nandito tayo sa ganitong klaseng stage ngayon na Covid cannot be differentiated from influenza; napakaimportante pa rin na we have to protect ourselves (We are at a stage now where Covid cannot be differentiated from influenza; it's still very important that we have to protect ourselves),” he pointed out.

Solante further explained that the public should be aware of the differences in complications between Covid-19 and influenza.

He noted that Covid-19 can cause long-term complications, also known as "long Covid," particularly in vulnerable populations.

Vaccination encouraged

Solante emphasized the importance of the influenza vaccine, particularly for children and the elderly, noting that the DOH has launched a community-wide awareness campaign to promote vaccination against this illness.

“Isa 'yan sa mga una nating advocacy ngayon na sana magpabakuna na ng influenza at this point in time para maiwasan ang pagkakahawaan (One of our primary advocacies right now is for people to get vaccinated against influenza at this point in time to prevent the spread of the disease)," he said. 

DOH on Wednesday said 151,375 cases of ILI have so far been recorded this year.

This is 45 percent higher compared to 104,613 ILI cases reported during the same period last year. (Zekinah Elize Espina)