Despite a drop in flu-like illnesses across Region 1 compared to last year, health authorities in Pangasinan continue to strengthen vaccination and prevention efforts to protect vulnerable groups, especially the young and elderly.

In Mangaldan, 74-year-old Librada Mejia hardly leaves her house recently. She said she fears getting sick after hearing about the rising number of flu-like illnesses in the province.

“Doon nagwawalis, nagdidilig. Once a week lang ako lumalabas,” Mejia said.

She said she always wears a face mask whenever she goes out.

At a nearby clinic, Ruby Jean Tandingan brought her youngest child for a checkup. The child has been coughing and sneezing for several days.

“Kasi mainit po siya, mga one week na po tapos inuubo po, sinisipon. Kapag umuubo po siya, nahihirapan,” Tandingan said.

Data from the Center for Health Development (CHD) Region 1 show that from January to October 4 this 2025, there have been 8,842 reported cases of influenza-like illnesses (ILI) across the region. It is 16.6 percent lower than the 10,605 cases recorded during the same period on 2024.

“Alam naman po natin na kapag malamig ‘yung panahon, mas malaki ‘yung tsansa na magkaroon ng influenza-like illness, lalong-lalo na ‘yung mga kabataan at ‘yung mga nakakatanda,” Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson of CHD-1, said.

Health authorities are intensifying their flu vaccination drives, information campaigns, and distribution of free vitamins to reduce infections.

Dr. Bobis assured the public that hospitals and health centers are ready to handle possible increases in cases.

“So, sinisigurado po natin na ‘yung ating mga ospital, ating mga RHU, at ating mga CHO ay may kapabilidad po na tanggapin at gamutin ‘yung mga kababayan natin,” he said.

CHD-1 also confirmed that the supply of medicines for flu-like illnesses remains sufficient across the region.