ILOILO — With holiday parties, reunions, and large public events set to intensify in the coming days, health authorities in Western Visayas are urging the public to heighten vigilance against influenza-like illnesses (ILIs), which typically surge during the Christmas season due to increased social interaction and colder weather.
The Department of Health (DOH) said ILIs — characterized by fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, and fatigue — pose a heightened risk during the “ber” months, when respiratory infections are more common.
Dr. Fritzi Ann Suzette Jeroso-Dequito, Medical Officer III and head of the DOH Region 6’s Health Promotion and Communications Management Section, said ILIs are clinical conditions that resemble influenza but may be caused by various viruses circulating in the country, including rhinovirus, enterovirus, influenza A, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and adenoviruses.
“These pathogens can create a cascade of symptoms that significantly affect one’s quality of life, and they primarily spread through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes,” Jeroso-Dequito said.
To prevent transmission, the DOH reiterated the importance of basic health measures, particularly during crowded holiday activities.
Jeroso-Dequito welcomed the continued practice of mask-wearing among people who feel unwell, calling it “a crucial personal and public health measure.”
She also underscored the need for regular handwashing with soap and water, or the use of 70 percent alcohol-based hand sanitizers when handwashing facilities are not available.
“If you do not feel well, it is prudent to refrain from attending public events. This is particularly important during the holiday season when the city hosts various festivities, including fun runs, marathons, and national events that draw large crowds,” she advised.
Jeroso-Dequito added that extra caution is necessary to protect vulnerable groups, particularly senior citizens and individuals with chronic illnesses, who are more likely to suffer complications from ILIs.
“It’s important to be aware of our actions and how they can affect those who are more vulnerable,” she said.
DOH said it is closely monitoring ILI trends through its sentinel surveillance system, which gathers data from hospitals, community health centers, and school clinics across the region.
“This system plays a critical role in our understanding of current trends in ILIs,” Jeroso-Dequito said. “During this time of year, we are on high alert as we monitor for spikes in cases, which are typical during the flu season.”
As holiday celebrations begin, health officials reminded the public that safeguarding health should go hand in hand with festivities.
“Let’s continue to advocate for health and safety during this holiday season. By adhering to basic health protocols, we can ensure a safer environment for ourselves and our loved ones, while also enjoying the celebrations,” Jeroso-Dequito stressed./PN
