Infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante clarified that the recent rise in influenza-like illness cases across the country is “normal” during this time of year.
"Normal itong pagtaas ng influenza like illness. Ngayon ang influenza like illness ay sakit na ang manifestion niya ay ubo, sipon at lagnat na usually hanggang 10 days ang duration, ibig sabihin nawawala riyan ‘yan," Solante said in a exclusive interview on DZRH's Damdaming Bayan.
"Kung lalampas ng 10 days ‘yan hindi na ‘yan influenza like illness," he warned public.
He added influenza-like illness is so named because its symptoms are compatible with the flu, although it may also be caused by other viruses such as adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, or even COVID-19.
According to Solante, influenza-like illnesses are "highly contagious."
“Mataas ang hawaan nito dahil ang ganitong klase ng mikrobyo nito kapag umuubo ang mayroong sakit, within three feet mahahawaan niya ang mga kasama niya,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of teaching children preventive measures, such as, wearing face masks, frequent proper handwashing, and covering the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
Solante noted that there is no specific medicine for most respiratory viral infections, except for certain cases such as influenza and COVID-19, which have available antiviral treatments.
“Itong mga different respiratory viral infection, talagang walang gamot ito maliban na lamang sa flu na mayroong anti-viral but other respiratory viral-infection kagaya ng COVID-19 mahroon din tayong gamot na iyan. Pero sa ibang viruses wala talaga kaya importante ay magpahinga sa bahay, kumain ng maigi, fluid hydration tapos importante din na bantayan natin ang sarili natin,” he said.
He warned that some people underestimate the illness, only to be hospitalized later due to severe complications, especially the elderly and vulnerable populations such as those aged 60 and above.
Vaccination and prevention
Dr. Solante also urged the public to get vaccinated against the flu before the onset of the flu season.
“Dapat ang flu vaccine before the influenza season o flu season mga March, April dapat nagpabakuna na tayo to protect ourselves during the influenza-like illness peak season,” he said.
Solante reminded the public to stay home if experiencing symptoms to avoid spreading infection, and to maintain good hygiene and nutrition.
“Importante manatili sa bahay kapag may mga sintomas, magpahinga kasi hindi natin dapat baliwalain itong mga influenza like illness pwedeng maging kumplikasyon ito at pwede kang makahawa,” he concluded.
Earlier, the Department of Education (DepEd) announced the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools across the National Capital Region (NCR) from Monday, October 13, to Tuesday, October 14, amid the rising cases of influenza-like illnesses and the recent earthquakes that have affected parts of Metro Manila.
DepEd said the two-day suspension aims to protect the well-being of learners and teaching personnel while allowing time for thorough disinfection of school facilities in preparation for the resumption of in-person classes.
The local government of Marikina City was the first to declare a “health break” for both public and private schools in all grade levels for the same dates, citing health and safety concerns for students and teachers.
