The Department of Health (DOH) advises the public to practice respiratory etiquette as the northeast monsoon ('amihan') may increase flu-like illnesses. While ILI cases are down 17% from the previous year, the DOH warns of potential increases due to seasonal trends and the rise of respiratory viruses globally. They highlight the importance of preventive measures and seek to reassure the public regarding the manageability of the situation.
The Department of Health (DOH) is encouraging the public to practice respiratory etiquette as the northeast monsoon, or 'amihan,' could lead to an increase in flu-like cases. In a statement, Health Assistant Secretary and spokesman Albert Domingo said there had been 179,227 cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) reported as of December 31, 2024, which is 17 percent lower than the 216,786 cases reported in the previous year.
Domingo said the decrease could be attributed to better health-seeking behaviors and practices and better preparation from the health sector. ILI, which is characterized by cough, colds and fever, is caused by respiratory viruses such as rhinovirus, enterovirus, influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenovirus. Outside the country, the World Health Organization has reported an increase in common acute respiratory infections, including RSV and human metapneumovirus. 'This upward trend is expected during the winter season in China and other countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Chinese authorities have also clarified to the WHO that the Chinese health care system is not overwhelmed and that no emergency declarations or responses have been triggered,' Domingo said. Human metapneumovirus, the DOH said, is not a new virus, having been discovered in 2001. Typically, it causes mild upper respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever and nasal congestion. Severe cases, though rare, may lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among infants, the elderly and immunocompromised persons.hMPV is the sixth identified causative agent of ILI in the country, with 284 out of 4,921 positive samples from January 1 to December 21, 2024, caused by the virus, of which 10 out of 339 samples tested from December 1 to 21 were positive for the virus. 'hMPV is not a new virus. We have been able to identify it for a long time. Its symptoms are not severe. Like the common cough and cold, it heals on its own as long as our resistance is strong,' Health chief Teodoro Herbosa said
HEALTH RESPIRATORY ETIQUETTE AMIHAN INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESSES HUMAN METAPNEUMOVIRUS
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