DOH sees higher flu-like cases as PH transitions to rainy season

The Department of Health (DOH) said Wednesday it was preparing for the impending increase in cases of influenza-like illnesses as the Philippines starts its transition to the rainy season.

In an oversight meeting of the House Committee on Appropriations with the DOH, Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said that the agency was watching out for cases of colds and flu that were not caused by a COVID-19 infection. 

"Actually, nakita natin sa datos natin na bumababa siya sa nakaraang mga linggo, bagamat alam namin na papasok na ang panahon ng tag-ulan so naka-alert po and DOH and we anticipate na tataas po 'yan kasi umuulan na po," he said.

(Actually, we have seen in our data that cases of influenza-like illnesses have been decreasing in the past few weeks. However, we know that the rainy season is nearing, thus the DOH is on alert and we anticipate that the cases will increase because it is already raining.)

Anna Marie Celine Garfin, director of the DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, said that the DOH is set to procure additional doses of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines and influenza vaccines as part of the agency's preparations.

"We are aware that we need to fasttrack the procurement of these vaccines, that's why we're doing close monitoring," she said.

House Deputy Majority Leader and former Health secretary Janette Garin earlier underscored the importance of getting flu and pneumonia vaccines for healthcare workers, senior citizens, and the immunocompromised, especially with the emergence of the new COVID-19 "FLiRT" variants.

"Having flu and pneumonia vaccines will help the vulnerables have uncomplicated cases. [These] will help us manage patients by reducing concurrent infections among Covid patients," the lawmaker said.

Last Wednesday, the DOH cautioned the public against the spread of diseases that may become prevalent especially now that the country is shifting from sunny to rainy season.

These diseases were called "WILD," which stands for Water and food-borne diseases; Influenza-like illnesses; Leptospirosis; and Dengue. — VDV/KBK, GMA Integrated News