123,210 flu-like cases logged in 2022

MANILA, Philippines — More than 120,000 influenza- or flu-like illnesses were recorded nationwide last year, the Department of Health (DOH) reported over the weekend.

Data from the DOH’s Disease Surveillance Report showed 123,210 flu-like cases were recorded from Jan. 1 to Dec. 17, 2022.

The figure is 53 percent higher compared to the 80,554 cases reported during the same period in 2021.

A majority of the cases were reported in Davao region with 25,212 followed by Northern Mindanao with 18,174 and Central Visayas, 12,524.

The National Capital Region recorded the highest increase in flu-like cases with 750 percent, or from 606 in 2021 to 5,151 in 2022.

It was followed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with 355 percent, or from 548 to 2,492, and Ilocos Region with 153 percent, or from 2,889 to 7,319 cases.

Data from the DOH’s Epidemiology Bureau showed 475 fatalities due to flu-like illnesses or a case fatality rate of 0.4 percent.

In 2021, health officials recorded 981 deaths or a case fatality rate of 1.2 percent.

Zamboanga peninsula logged the highest number of fatalities with 183 followed by Central Visayas, 127, and Caraga, 39.

Health experts earlier warned the public to be wary of illnesses that commonly affect people during the holiday season such as influenza, whose symptoms include fever, chills, dry cough, loss of appetite, body aches, nausea and sneezing.