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The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a rise in influenza‑like illnesses over the past few weeks. Acting Secretary Edwin Mercado told a radio interview that the Epidemiology Bureau recorded 11,137 cases in recent weeks, an eight‑percent increase from the 10,378 cases reported for the period of September 3 to 16. “The cases rise during the cold season because people gather together,” Mercado said, adding that year‑end celebrations such as Christmas and New Year’s also contribute to the uptick. In response, the DOH announced that an influenza vaccine will be released next week. The vaccination campaign is planned to run for two months, ending in December, with priority given to vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, children under preschool age, and people with pre‑existing medical conditions. “We will release an influenza vaccine next week,” Mercado said. The Acting Secretary also explained that influenza‑like illnesses are usually caused by viruses and can be associated with allergies. He assured the public that “this influenza virus is not fatal.” He advised that people who contract influenza‑like illnesses generally need adequate rest, sufficient water intake, and proper nutrition, among other measures. According to the DOH, a total of 122,514 influenza‑like illness cases have been recorded so far this year, which is 20 percent lower than the 152,972 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. The department also reported 291 COVID‑19 cases during the week, up from 245 the previous week. “We have observed that the cases have not reached epidemic proportions,” Mercado said. He added that the DOH has not yet determined that COVID‑19 vaccination is necessary under its current requirements. “We have not yet determined that COVID‑19 vaccination is necessary under our current requirements,” he said. Article source: The Daily Tribune | Image credit: The Daily Tribune
The Department of Health (DOH) has reported a rise in influenza‑like illnesses over the past few weeks. Acting Secretary Edwin Mercado told a radio interview that the Epidemiology Bureau recorded 11,137 cases in recent weeks, an eight‑percent increase from the 10,378 cases reported for the period of September 3 to 16. “The cases rise during the cold season because people gather together,” Mercado said, adding that year‑end celebrations such as Christmas and New Year’s also contribute to the uptick. In response, the DOH announced that an influenza vaccine will be released next week. The vaccination campaign is planned to run for two months, ending in December, with priority given to vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, children under preschool age, and people with pre‑existing medical conditions. “We will release an influenza vaccine next week,” Mercado said. The Acting Secretary also explained that influenza‑like illnesses are usually caused by viruses and can be associated with allergies. He assured the public that “this influenza virus is not fatal.” He advised that people who contract influenza‑like illnesses generally need adequate rest, sufficient water intake, and proper nutrition, among other measures. According to the DOH, a total of 122,514 influenza‑like illness cases have been recorded so far this year, which is 20 percent lower than the 152,972 cases recorded during the same period in 2025. The department also reported 291 COVID‑19 cases during the week, up from 245 the previous week. “We have observed that the cases have not reached epidemic proportions,” Mercado said. He added that the DOH has not yet determined that COVID‑19 vaccination is necessary under its current requirements. “We have not yet determined that COVID‑19 vaccination is necessary under our current requirements,” he said.
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