The City Health Office said not all influenza-like illness cases should be labeled as “super flu,” as it moved to address public concern over the rise in flu cases in Puerto Princesa City.
In an advisory dated January 13, 2026, the City Health Office explained that “super flu” is a general term often used to describe fast-spreading respiratory illnesses that may be caused by influenza, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. These infections may result in stronger symptoms and longer recovery, but health officials stressed that not all cases are severe.
The advisory cited Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa, who earlier urged the public to remain calm despite reports of increasing flu cases.
“It is not alarming but there is a new variant out there,” Herbosa said.
He added that influenza is “a self-limiting illness and can be prevented by receiving flu vaccine.”
Data from the City Health Office showed that Puerto Princesa City recorded a total of 1,168 influenza-like illness cases from January 2025 to January 3, 2026. Of this number, 208 patients or 18% were admitted to hospitals, while 960 or 82% were treated as outpatients. Four deaths were recorded, equivalent to 0.3% of total cases. All cases were classified as suspect, with no confirmed cases reported.
In the most recent update, the city logged 45 new suspect cases and one new death. Most cases were recorded in barangays San Miguel, San Pedro, San Jose, Sicsican, Santa Monica, and San Manuel. The Hospital of Palawan handled the highest number of cases, followed by Camp Ricardo Station Hospital and the Puerto Princesa City Health Office.
Vaccination records showed that only one patient had received a flu vaccine, while 378 were not vaccinated and 789 had unknown vaccination status.
Health officials also clarified that the four recorded deaths cannot be automatically attributed to influenza-like illness alone. Based on medical and death certificates, the patients had underlying conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, as well as multiple co-morbidities. Most of the deaths involved patients aged 60 years and older, with one case recorded in the 0–9 age group.
Local health data showed that influenza-like illness cases in Puerto Princesa City peaked during Morbidity Week 45 in 2025. For 2026, only three cases were recorded in Morbidity Week 1, indicating a temporary decline at the start of the year.
The local trend mirrors global and regional patterns. The World Health Organization reported on December 10, 2025 that global influenza activity increased starting October 2025, with influenza A dominating worldwide, particularly the A(H3N2) strain. The agency said seasonal influenza was expected to rise further and peak from late 2025 into the early months of 2026.
In Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s Ministry of Health reported that at least seven ASEAN countries recorded cases of influenza A(H3N2) subclade K. The advisory noted that the Philippines reported zero cases of this subclade in 2025, along with Brunei, Myanmar, and Timor-Leste.
At the regional level, MIMAROPA recorded 5,245 influenza-like illness cases in 2025, or 125% higher than the same period last year.
The City Health Office urged residents to continue observing preventive measures, including regular handwashing or use of alcohol-based sanitizers, wearing face masks in crowded or enclosed spaces, getting annual influenza vaccination, voluntary isolation for those with symptoms, and early consultation with health professionals. The office also warned against self-medication.
Health officials said continued surveillance, community cooperation, and public awareness campaigns remain important to reduce transmission and protect public health in 2026.
