BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, of the City Health Service Office, assures the public that the increase in cases of the new variant of H3N2 Influenza, dubbed “Superflu” in the United States and detected in the Philippines, there is currently no cause for concern, reinforcing the statement of DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.

She reiterates the advisory issued last October 2025, which urges the public to strengthen preventive measures, particularly for residents with pre-existing health conditions.

“We have consistently reminded residents and visitors to follow preventive measures since last year, including before the Christmas season, to help avoid potential surges in influenza cases,” Dr. Brillantes emphasized.

Although Baguio City has not seen a significant increase in influenza cases, prevention remains the most effective safeguard—especially as students return for the new school season.

According to Department Memorandum No. 2023-0391, an influenza-like illness (ILI) is defined as “any person with an acute respiratory infection with ALL of the following: measured fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher, and cough or sore throat with symptoms.”

Dr. Brillantes highlighted that ILI occurs throughout the year, with predictable peaks from August to October during the rainy and early cold months. The highest case counts are observed among children aged 1–9 years and older adults.

In response, the CHSO strongly advises the public to remain vigilant and practice recommended health measures.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰

Everyone is encouraged to reactivate and sustain the good health habits practiced during the COVID-19 pandemic:

1. Wear a mask if you have a cough, cold, or any flu-like symptoms.
2. Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
3. Observe proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.
4. Disinfect high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and toys.
5. Avoid crowded indoor spaces with poor ventilation.
6. Get vaccinated to avoid severe effects of the flu virus, especially for the elderly and children.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Elementary and high schools, universities, and training centers are advised to monitor the health status of students and staff.

1. Individuals with coughs or colds should stay home until they have fully recovered.
2. Parents are encouraged to bring symptomatic children to the nearest District Health Center for a free consultation.
3. If symptoms persist for 3-5 days. Schools may consider hybrid learning options to support continued education.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗝𝗮𝗶𝗹 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

Given the higher risk of transmission in closed settings:

1. Isolate Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) showing ILI symptoms.

2. jail personnel on identifying early signs of illness.

3. Early detection and isolation help prevent outbreaks in crowded facilities.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝘁𝗲𝘀

Contractors and site managers are reminded to:

1. Provide spacious and well-ventilated barracks or resting areas.
2. Supply masks and ensure symptomatic workers wear them at all times.
3. Maintain handwashing and alcohol stations.
4. Workers with symptoms persisting for 3-5 days should visit the nearest District Health Center for evaluation.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 (e.g., Hotels and Restaurants, BPO companies, government offices, private establishments)

1. Employers and managers are encouraged to regularly monitor the health of their personnel.
2. Those exhibiting flu-like symptoms should stay home and seek consultation at the nearest District Health Center.
3. Workplaces should promote frequent handwashing and proper cough etiquette. 4. Adequate ventilation must be maintained by opening windows or improving airflow.
4. Frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, and equipment should be disinfected regularly.

To know your nearest DHC, check the link below: https://bit.ly/YourDHCBaguio

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝘀

Tourists and visitors are advised to assess their own health before traveling and ensure they are well-rested. If symptoms develop, they should seek medical attention and remain at home until fully recovered. For urgent or unavoidable travel, wearing a mask is recommended to prevent virus transmission.

The CHSO Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit reported a three-year analysis that describes influenza-like illness (ILI) trends in Baguio City from 2023–2025 using sentinel facility surveillance data. A total of 12,007 ILI cases were reported, with a sharp increase in 2024 and a decline in 2025. However, ILI cases in 2025 remained higher than in 2023.

Laboratory findings confirmed ongoing circulation of multiple ILI-causing viruses, with influenza A and B, RSV, rhinovirus, and SARS-CoV-2 predominating. Pathogen or virus diversity was broader in 2023, while 2024–2025 reflected a more typical influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) seasonal pattern.

The CHSO also explained the increase observed in 2024 likely reflects overlapping drivers: intensified circulation of respiratory viruses post-pandemic, school-related transmission, possible increased consultation and reporting, and co-circulation of influenza and RSV.