(PNA file photo by Liza T. Agoot)
BAGUIO CITY – The City Health Services Office (CHSO) here on Tuesday urged residents to revisit the basic health and safety protocols observed during the Covid-19 pandemic as a precaution against flu amid the colder weather.
“We urge the public to reactivate previous practices such as masking up if a person is exhibiting symptoms like coughing or having colds, especially while indoors,” Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes, city health officer, told the Philippine News Agency.
Residents were also advised to stay home when sick, wash their hands often, observe coughing and sneezing etiquette, and disinfect frequently touched objects like doorknobs, tables and toys, among others.
Brillantes also said it is advisable for residents, as well as tourists visiting the city, to wear warm clothing, especially in the evening and early morning to avoid getting colds that may develop into flu.
Boosting the immune system by avoiding alcoholic drinks and smoking, and making oneself healthy through balanced diet will also help prevent being infected with the flu virus, she added.
The CHSO issued the advisory following the reported increase in influenza-like illnesses (ILI) and laboratory-confirmed influenza among children in various regions that, according to Brillantes, may be linked to colder temperatures.
“As the Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) reported, the pattern aligns with the expected seasonal rise in influenza activity during the latter months of the year,” she said.
The weather bureau last week announced the termination of the southwest monsoon (habagat) season, signaling the transition to the northeast monsoon (amihan) season, which is marked by colder temperature.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier said Baguio could experience a single-digit lowest temperature during the cold season. (PNA)
