MANILA — Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa clarified that there is no outbreak of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the Philippines, noting that the current increase in cases is part of the usual seasonal flu trend during the colder months.

“During this time, the ‘-ber’ months, this is our flu season. It’s our ILIs, talagang dumarami ‘yan (they really increase),” Herbosa said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview.

“Wala pong any type of outbreak na ILI (There is no any type of ILI outbreak); it’s the seasonal flu, and we still have to be careful,” he added.

Herbosa explained that ILIs include a group of diseases with symptoms such as cough, colds, fever, sore throat, and body aches caused by different viruses, including rhinovirus and influenza A and B, unlike Covid-19, which is caused by a single virus.

From January to September 2025, DOH recorded 121,716 ILI cases, an 8-percent drop from the 135,538 cases reported for the same period last year, according to DOH spokesperson Albert Domingo.

Herbosa addressed the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools in the National Capital Region, citing rising ILI cases among students and school personnel. While he acknowledged the suspension could help minimize transmission, he urged proper coordination with health authorities.

“Itong pagsuspinde ng klase, if you will ask me, makakatulong iyan, but I wish nag-coordinate lang sila (This suspension of classes, if you ask me, will help, but I just wish they had coordinated with us),” he said.

He also noted that DepEd cited additional reasons for the suspension, including building safety inspections after recent earthquakes and sanitization of school premises, which the DOH supports.

Herbosa advised the public to continue preventive measures learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, such as regular handwashing, staying home when sick, wearing masks when symptomatic, avoiding sharing food and utensils, and ensuring proper ventilation indoors. He also recommended maintaining a balanced diet, taking Vitamin C, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, exercising, and avoiding crowded places.

“Pagdating ng tag-ulan talagang panahon ‘yan ng flu-like symptoms (Rainy season is really the time for flu-like symptoms),” Herbosa said, adding that influenza spreads rapidly in poorly ventilated spaces during rainy periods.

The DOH continues to monitor ILI trends nationwide and assures the public that the situation remains under control. (PNA)