THE Department of Health (DOH) yesterday said it expects cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) to continue increasing.
In a statement, the DOH said that ILI cases have historically increased towards the end of the year, given the onset of the colder weather brought by the northeast monsoon.
“The recent rise in ILI cases are expected and can be attributed to the rainy season,” it said. “Respiratory infections may further increase, especially this rainy season and upcoming holiday season.”
DOH record show 171,067 cases reported nationwide as of October 28, or 49 percent higher than the 114,536 cases reported during the same period in 2022.
The health department urged the public to use layers of protection against the virus including masking, ensuring adequate ventilation, isolating when sick, and getting vaccinated.