DOH launches 'Trangkaso Bye-Bye!' campaign to curb flu cases nationwide
By Jel Santos
(PHOTO: DOHI)
The Department of Health (DOH) has launched its “Trangkaso Bye-Bye!” campaign to educate the public on proper ways to prevent influenza or flu.
The agency’s campaign highlights simple yet effective ways to prevent the flu, emphasizing proper hygiene, adequate rest, and good nutrition as key measures for protection.
The DOH earlier clarified that while there is no flu outbreak, the country remains in its flu season, which typically spans from the rainy months of June to the transition into the northeast monsoon or Amihan.
Based on its latest surveillance, the DOH recorded 6,457 cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) from September 28 to October 11, 2025, which is 25 percent lower than the 8,628 cases reported in the same period last year.
According to the agency, ILI is a respiratory infection caused by viruses such as Influenza A and B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and Rhinovirus.
Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo ,the spokesperson of the DOH, reminded the public to continue observing preventive practices even without mandatory protocols.
“Kahit walang mandato, kung gusto natin protektahan ang ating sarili, at ang ating kasama sa bahay, lalo na 'yung matatanda at 'yung mga bata, maganda po na gumamit tayo ng face mask, lalo na kung may sintomas tayo (Even without a mandate, if we want to protect ourselves and those we live with, especially the elderly and children, it’s good to use a face mask, especially if we have symptoms),” he said.
Earlier, the Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) said that the positivity rate for influenza, or flu, in Metro Manila has increased to 42 percent in October, indicating ongoing community transmission in the region.
According to its Oct. 17 Flu Task Force Report, the PSMID consolidated data from tertiary hospital Infection Control Committees across Metro Manila. It found that 39 percent of samples tested in August and September were flu-positive, climbing to 42 percent in October.
The figures reflected results from Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, Chinese General Hospital, and the Philippine General Hospital.