Health officials in Region 1 are reporting a steady rise in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) as December temperatures get colder, causing clinics in Pangasinan to see more patients, many of them young children.

In Mangaldan, three-month-old babies like the son of Mary Ann Lozano are among those getting sick. Lozano brought her child to the town infirmary after three days of cough and colds, followed by a fever on Monday.

“Lahat na kami sa bahay may sipon, kawawa kung makahawa pa talaga,” she said.

According to monitoring data from the Center for Health Development (CHD) Region 1, the region has recorded 11,103 cases of influenza-like illness from January 1 to November 15, 2025. While this is 10% lower than last year’s 12,399 cases, health authorities are not letting their guard down.

Officials expect cases to continue rising through December, January, and February, the peak months of the cold season.

“Historically kasi, makikita natin na tumataas ang kaso ng influenza-like illnesses lalo na kapag parating ang December, January, and February na month. So maari talaga na tumaas pa ang kaso natin ng influenza-like illnesses,” Dr. Rheuel Bobis, spokesperson of CHD Region 1, said.

To manage the situation, health facilities have set up express lanes for patients showing flu-like symptoms, especially for children who are more vulnerable to complications.

CHD Region 1 continues to urge the public to boost immunity, avoid crowded places when feeling unwell, and seek early medical consultation when symptoms appear.