MIDWAY into the “ber” months, the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday reported an increase in cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) nationwide.
The DOH said 151,375 ILI cases have been recorded as of October 13, or 45 percent higher compared to 104,613 cases reported during the same period of last year.
It said the rise in cases at this time of the year is no surprise.
“Case increases coincide with the onset of rainy and colder months,” said the DOH.
The increase could also be due to efforts to strengthen surveillance for the other diseases “as we shift our focus from COVID-19,” it also said.
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and the lungs.
Earlier, Health Undersecretary Dr Eric Tayag urged the public to get flu vaccines regularly. —
