DOH closely monitoring flu cases

The Department of Health (DOH) is now closely monitoring influenza cases and is urging the public to observe precautionary measures to ward off the illness.

Dr. Ethelyn Nieto, DOH Undersecretary for Public Health, said that while they expect influenza cases to surge during the rainy days, many people are already sick of the disease this early.

"Wherever I go, I see so many people down with influenza. I also have relatives who are already sick. We are now monitoring the cases," she noted in an interview.

The DOH-National Capital Region office is now coordinating with local health authorities to get a clear picture of the prevalence of influenza in the community.

"We still have no reports at the LGU level but we have monitored Metro Manila. The provinces are also monitoring cases in their localities," she said.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Its symptoms include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and body aches. Healthy individuals recover from flu without complications but children and the elderly are at risk of serious complications like bronchitis.

"If the body’s resistance goes down, it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia, especially if left unattended. What is needed is plenty of fluids, rest and a lot of Vitamin C to increase resistance to flu. Children below ten years old are usually at risk like the elderly people," she added.

Those with underlying health conditions are also vulnerable to catching the flu virus.

Nieto said flu is common during the rainy season so the public should observe healthy practices. "There is no outbreak of influenza yet but there are sporadic cases everywhere," she added.