The Department of Health on Thursday reported an increase in the number of respiratory infections, such as influenza-like illnesses, which are common during the rainy season, and even Covid-19.

According to the DoH, Covid-19 cases have slightly risen since August, averaging 172 new cases daily.

Earlier this week, the department reported 1,231 new Covid-19 cases, eight were tagged as severe and critical. The average daily number of cases also climbed from 172 to 176, six percent higher than the cases on 18- 24 September.

Despite the increase in Covid-19 cases at the national and regional levels, the DoH said the country's health system capacity "remains at low risk," with total and intensive care unit bed utilization rates at 16 percent and 13 percent, respectively.

The agency also recorded a total of 134,636 cases of influenza-like illnesses across the country.

"Cases are slightly increasing with eight percent more cases reported in the recent three to four weeks (20 August to 4 September) compared to the two weeks prior," it said.

'Expect more'

The DoH warned the public to expect more cases of respiratory infections in the coming months as the country approaches the colder months.

"Communicable diseases, particularly respiratory infections such as influenza and Covid-19, are expected to increase during the rainy season and the colder months due to the proliferation of viruses as the weather transitions from increased heat and high humidity to wet and damp," it said.

To prevent respiratory infections from further increasing, especially in the rainy season and the coming holiday season, the DoH "encouraged the public to perform individual self-assessments and, as needed, employ layers of protection such as masking, ensuring adequate ventilation, isolating when sick, as well as getting vaccinated and boosted to provide additional protection against infection or severe disease."