DOH says ‘super flu’ cases remain seasonal, no spike in severe infections

The Department of Health on Tuesday said reported deaths linked to the so-called “super flu” remain within expected seasonal levels, stressing that the situation does not warrant alarm as overall severe respiratory infections have not increased.

In an interview on Unang Balita, DOH spokesperson Assistant Secretary Dr. Albert Domingo clarified that the 63 deaths reported in 2025 were recorded over the entire year, not from a sudden surge.

“Yung bilang po natin na 63 ay para sa buong taon ng ating 2025 at para sa malatrangkasong sakit. Hindi po ito biglaan," he said.

(The figure of 63 covers the entire year of 2025 and refers to influenza-related illness. This was not a sudden increase.)

Domingo said influenza-related illnesses rose by only 1% compared with the previous year, a change he described as statistically insignificant.

“Ang tinaas lang po ay 1% kumpara sa nakaraang taon, at hindi po ito malaking pagbabago," he noted.

(The increase is only 1% compared to last year, which is not a significant change.)

What is ‘super flu’?

The DOH explained that “super flu” is not a new disease but a variant of Influenza A, technically referred to as subclade K, under the H3N2 lineage.

“Ang super flu po ay isang variant ng influenza A… hindi naiiba ang sintomas—lagnat, ubo, sipon, pananakit ng katawan. Ang kaibahan lang ay mas mabilis siyang makahawa," he explained.

(Super flu is a variant of Influenza A. Its symptoms—fever, cough, colds, body aches—are the same. The difference is that it spreads more easily.)

Despite its higher transmissibility, Domingo emphasized that most cases remain mild and do not require hospitalization.

No spike in severe respiratory infections

The DOH also addressed concerns that the virus could progress into pneumonia, saying current data does not support this.

“Mas marami po sa mga kaso ay nagiging malatrangkasong sakit lamang at hindi kailangan ma-hospital. Kaya hindi kami nag-aalarma," he noted.

(Most cases remain mild flu-like illnesses and do not require hospitalization. That is why we are not raising an alarm.)

Data from the DOH showed 24,091 cases of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) recorded in 2025 up to December 27, with only 14 cases linked to the subclade K variant—equivalent to 0.06%.

“Napakaliit po ng porsyento (The percentage is very small),” Domingo said.

Other viruses, including rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus, accounted for most SARI cases, with influenza ranking only fourth.

Current flu vaccine still effective

Domingo said the existing flu vaccine remains effective against the variant, citing guidance from the World Health Organization.

“Ayon sa World Health Organization, walang nakikitang pagtaas sa disease severity, at ang bakuna natin sa trangkaso ay kayang labanan ang subclade K.”

(According to the WHO, there is no observed increase in disease severity, and the current flu vaccine can protect against subclade K.)

Public advised to follow basic precautions

With flu season ongoing, the DOH urged the public to continue basic health measures.

“Maghugas ng kamay, magpahinga kung may nararamdaman, magsuot ng face mask kung lalabas, at kumain ng prutas at gulay para sa resistensya," he added. 

(Wash hands, stay home if unwell, wear a face mask when going out, and eat fruits and vegetables to strengthen immunity.)

Measles cases up 32%

During the same interview, the DOH also reported a 32% increase in measles cases, with 5,123 cases recorded as of December 27, compared with 3,880 cases last year.

The highest number of cases was recorded in Metro Manila, followed by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Calabarzon.

To curb the spread, the DOH said it is intensifying immunization efforts ahead of Ramadan.

“Libre po ang bakuna sa mga health center para sa mga batang anim na buwan hanggang limang taong gulang," he added.

(The vaccine is free at health centers for children aged six months to under five years old.) —AOL, GMA Integrated News