MANILA (October 26) — With the chilly weather rolling in and holiday festivities just around the corner, local health officials are urging families to take extra precautions against seasonal bugs.
The Department of Health (DOH) recently reported an 8% increase in influenza-like illnesses over the past few weeks, bringing the total number of recent cases to 11,137 (up from 10,378 recorded earlier in September). DOH Acting Secretary Edwin Mercado noted that this seasonal spike is common as the cooler weather drives people indoors and closer together.
“Tumataas during kapanahunan nga nitong tag-lamig kasi mas nagkukumpol-kumpol ’yung mga tao,” Mercado explained, adding that year-end gatherings like Christmas and New Year parties often contribute to the spread.
Free Flu Vaccines Rolling Out Next Week
To protect communities, the DOH is launching a two-month targeted vaccination campaign starting next week and running through December.
To make the most impact, priority for the free influenza vaccine will be given to high-risk and vulnerable group members:
§ Senior citizens
§ Young children (below preschool age)
§ Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions
What You Need to Know: Prevention & Recovery
Health officials reassure the public that while flu-like illnesses can cause discomfort, they are generally manageable and not fatal. Often caused by common viruses or triggered by allergies, most cases resolve with basic home care and healthy habits.
Fast Recovery Tips
§ Rest: Get adequate sleep to give your immune system time to recover.
§ Hydrate: Drink plenty of water and clear fluids throughout the day.
§ Nourish: Eat balanced, nutrient-rich meals to rebuild strength.
The Bigger Picture: Looking at the Numbers
While recent weeks have seen a bump in cases, overall health trends for the year show reassuring progress:
| Metric | Details / Figures | Perspective |
| Year-to-Date Flu Cases | 122,514 total cases | 20% lower compared to the same period last year (152,972 in 2025). |
| COVID-19 Weekly Cases | 291 cases (up from 245) | Remained far below epidemic levels; no broad COVID-19 vaccine mandates are currently required. |
