The Puerto Princesa City Health Office supports the health department’s call for Filipinos to make appropriate respiratory care a habit as a safeguard against illnesses linked to the northeast monsoon or amihan season.
Dr. Ricardo Panganiban, chief of the Puerto Princesa City Health Office, advised residents on Thursday to take care not only during the amihan season, but throughout the year, particularly if they are immunocompromised.
In the city, they have not monitored any cases of rhinovirus, enterovirus, Influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus, or adenovirus, which the Department of Health (DOH) identified as the main contributors to influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in the Philippines.
There are also no cases of human metapneumovirus (hMPV), which, according to him, can potentially lead to pneumonia.
“Yong nandito sa atin ngayon, yong mga common na flu, or flu-related diseases. Common yan kapag ganitong panahon,” Dr. Panganiban said.
He explained that the rise in cases in other countries, like those reported in China, is attributed to their winter season.
There may be cases in the Philippines, but it is difficult to specify unless samples are collected and tested. His advice is that if individuals notice unusual changes in their condition, they should immediately consult their doctors to manage their symptoms effectively.
“Paano mo ba iiwasan yong mga respiratory illness na ganyan? Di ba dapat kung paano ka iiwas sa common colds o pulmonary viral infections, ganoon din ang gawin mo. Wala kasing vaccine ang hMPV at this point. Ang meron tayo flu vaccine—nagbigay na po tayo noon. Actually, hanggang ngayon, nagbibigay pa tayo,” Dr. Panganiban said.
Filipinos received a fresh reminder from the Department of Health (DOH) yesterday to form the practice of using proper respiratory hygiene.
Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said in a statement that amihan-related chilly winds can make allergies and respiratory diseases more likely.
He encouraged all people to engage in proactive measures, including donning suitable attire and upholding proper hygiene practices.
The DOH ILI Surveillance System recorded 179,227 flu-like illnesses on December 31, 2024. It reported a 17% (approximately 25,869 less) decline due to increased public health awareness and preventive measures.
The agency determined rhinovirus, enterovirus, Influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus as the primary factors causing ILI in the Philippines.
Herbosa also addressed the human metapneumovirus (hMPV), which has reportedly caused an outbreak in China, leading to some online concern.
“Hindi bagong virus ang hMPV. Matagal na natin siyang kayang tukuyin. Hindi rin malala ang kanyang sintomas. Tulad ng karaniwang ubo at sipon, gumagaling siya ng kusa basta malakas ang ating resistensya,” he explained.
“Palakasin ang ating immune system. Tandaan ang TED—Tamang pagkain, Ehersisyo, at Disiplina sa katawan para lumakas ang resistensya at makaiwas sa mga sakit,” Herbosa added.
However, while usually not severe, the virus can occasionally lead to serious conditions such as bronchitis or pneumonia, especially in infants, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported a rise in acute respiratory infections worldwide, especially in China.
The DOH observed that heightened global travel and trade could raise transmission risks, potentially affecting the Philippines.
