27/10/2025
๐ท ๐๐๐: ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐ก๐ฒ๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ ๐๐ป๐ผ๐ ๐ฎ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ป ๐๐ผ
At the beginning of this month, alarms were ringing about the rise of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) cases. Although the panic is often linked to the familiar COVID-19 pandemic, it is understandable to be concerned about widespread coverage of ILI, as we cannot predict whether it may spread further.
As per the Department of Health (DOH) Spokesperson Albert Domingo, the statistics for confirmed cases from January to September 27 of this year, compared to the same period last year, were 8% lower: 121,716 (2025) versus 132,538 (2024). He highlighted that the rainy and stormy seasons of the Ber months contribute to the rise in cases compared to the previous months. The DOH Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa also noted that the rise of ILI cases โis not an outbreak,โ it is characterized by a rapid spread of the virus responsible for the illness, which infects people in a short time, across different age groups. He concluded that this is just a โsudden increase in the number of [influenza cases] in a specific geographic area, such as a community, city, or region.โ โWala pong any type of outbreak na ILI; itโs the seasonal flu, and we still have to be careful.โ
To better understand ILI, hereโs what you need to know:
๐๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐จ ๐๐๐?
An influenza-like illness (ILI) is a categorical term used to identify symptoms that are also present in influenza but are not confirmed by a laboratory test.
๐ค ๐๐๐๐ฉ ๐๐ง๐ ๐ฉ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐ข๐ฅ๐ฉ๐ค๐ข๐จ ๐ค๐ ๐๐๐?
โข Fever
โข Sore throat
โข Muscle pain
โข Chills
โข Runny or Stuffy Nose
โข Sneezing
โข Dry cough
โข Body aches
โข Nausea
โข Loss of appetite
๐
๐ป ๐๐๐ค ๐๐จ ๐ข๐ค๐จ๐ฉ ๐๐ฉ ๐ง๐๐จ๐ ?
โข Young Children (under 5 years old)
โข Older Adults (65 years old and above)
โข Pregnant Women
โข Individuals with Chronic Conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes, heart or lung diseases)
โข People with Weakened Immune Systems (HIV/AIDS or leukemia)
๐ก๏ธ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐๐ฃ๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐ ๐๐๐๐จ๐ช๐ง๐๐จ
In Angeles City, the School Division Office (SDO) reported that about 9,000 students are experiencing flu-like symptoms, based on initial data released. For clarification, SDO states that this figure is only temporary (initial); further assessments are still being conducted by the School Health and Nutrition Unit.
This initial data was from the advisory level surveys conducted by schools in the city, and has been coordinated by the SDO to the City Health Office to ensure thorough evaluation of the situation.
As classes continue, the City College of Angeles - Health Services Office Head issued a statement on October 15, 2025, regarding the preventive measures of ILI inside the campus premises. It is strongly advised that everyone observe the following:
โข Wear a Face Mask
โข Practice Proper Hygiene
โข Follow Coughing & Sneezing Etiquette
โข Stay Hydrated and Eat Healthy
โข Avoid Crowded Spaces if Youโre Unwell
โข Get Enough Sleep
โข Exercise Regularly
It is also highly recommended to consult the school clinic when symptoms arise to assess and receive proper treatment.
๐๐ผ๐๐๐๐ค๐ซ๐๐ง๐ฎ
The prognosis for flu and influenza-like illness is good. It typically recovers in up to a week, although coughing may persist. However, persons at risk may develop complications that require hospitalization.
๐ฉบ ๐๐จ ๐ฉ๐๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐๐ช๐ง๐ ๐๐ค๐ง ๐๐๐?
There is currently no cure for ILI, but antiviral treatments are available for influenza in severe cases. If you have a severe infection or are at high risk of complications from a flu or influenza infection, a medical professional may prescribe an antiviral medicine to treat the flu. These medicines can include Oseltamivir (Tamiflu), Baloxavir (Xofluza), and Zanamivir (Relenza).
๐ ๐พ๐ค๐ฃ๐๐ก๐ช๐จ๐๐ค๐ฃ
Let us all do our part to prevent the spread of ILI by following recommended measures, even if classes are canceled or physical safeguards are in place. Continued vigilance will help protect our community and reduce complications from ILI.
๐๏ธ: Ezekiel Quilala, Ayesha Faye Calma, & Raymark Bautista
๐ผ๏ธ: Jane Ryza Lopez
