With “Undas” activities drawing large crowds nationwide, the Department of Health (DOH) on Friday, Oct. 31, advised individuals experiencing cough, colds, or fever to refrain from going out and stay home to protect the elderly and those with chronic diseases from possible infection.

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said those showing symptoms such as cough, colds, or fever should avoid going out or joining large gatherings, including cemetery visits, to protect relatives who are elderly or have chronic illnesses.

“So advise ko, if you have symptoms, influenza-like illnesses is to stay at home kasi hindi maiiwasa!n, kasi mahahawa niyo ang inyong mga kamaganak may edad o may mga sakit na like cancer, diabetes (My advice is, if you have symptoms of influenza-like illness, stay at home because you might infect elderly relatives or those with illnesses such as cancer, diabetes),” Herbosa said.

He warned that people with flu-like symptoms can easily transmit viruses through coughing, sneezing, or close contact, especially in crowded places such as cemeteries during “Undas.”

“So ‘wag kayong lalapit sa kanila kung kayo ay uubo-ubo, sinisinghot ‘yung sipon niyo, makakahawa kayo ng influenza-like illnesses (Don’t go near them if you’re coughing or sniffling because you might spread influenza-like illnesses),” he added.

Herbosa noted that while Influenza A is currently the most common respiratory infection reported in the country, the situation remains within seasonal levels and has not reached outbreak status.

“Hindi lang ho tayo isang sakit. Although, pinaka common ngayon ‘yung Influenza A doon sa aming datos pero hindi pa rin tayo outbreak level, ito ‘yung seasonal level ng pagdami (We’re not dealing with only one illness. Although Influenza A is the most common in our data right now, it’s still at seasonal levels, not an outbreak),” he said.

The health chief emphasized that basic public health practices remain effective in preventing the spread of respiratory infections, including proper cough etiquette and frequent handwashing.

“Warning ng Department of Health na mag-ingat tayo, public health measures cough etiquette pag-uubo, uubo kayo sa elbow niyo. O kaya maganda I-cover niyo ng tissue na itatapon niyo after (The Department of Health warns everyone to be careful and practice public health measures. When coughing, do it into your elbow or cover it with tissue and dispose of it properly),” Herbosa said.

He noted that influenza viruses can spread quickly in schools, public spaces, and homes through physical contact and contaminated surfaces.

“Tapos frequent hand washing kaya kami nagsabi frequent hand washing sa influenza-like illnesses, humawak ka ng ilong mo, mata mo, at bibig mo. At humawak ka sa doorknob, nakipag-handshake ka pwede mong ihawa at ilipat yung virus sa ibang tao. Kaya ang bilis ng hawaan sa eskwelahan (Frequent handwashing is important because if you touch your nose, eyes, or mouth after touching surfaces or shaking hands, you can easily spread the virus. That’s why infections spread quickly in schools),” he reiterated .

Herbosa also encouraged the public to use alcohol-based sanitizers when soap and water are not available, especially when attending “Undas” activities.