The Department of Health (DOH) reported Wednesday that influenza-like illness (ILI) cases in the country as of 31 December is at 179,227 or 17 percent lower than the same period last year.

The DOH attributed the decrease to better health-seeking behaviors and practices by the public and better preparations by the health sector.

The agency urged the public to practice respiratory etiquette like covering coughs using elbows; staying at home when with cough, colds, or fever; and washing hands with soap and water often as the cooler Northeast Monsoon, or amihan season, persists.

It stressed that the amihan season can lead to an increase in respiratory conditions such as allergies or respiratory infections.

Update on ILIs

ILI is characterized by coughs, colds, and fever. It is commonly due to respiratory viruses with rhinovirus (1,257/4,921 or 25.5 percent of positive samples), enterovirus (1,140/4,921 or 23.2 percent), Influenza A (1,072/4,921 or 21.8 percent respiratory syncytial virus or RSV (560/4,921 or 11.4 percent), and adenovirus (527/4,921 or 10.7 percent), being the top five causative agents of ILI in the Philippines.

The DOH also noted an outside the Philippines, an upward trend of common acute respiratory infections, including RSV and human hetapneumovirus (hMPV), has been reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its Disease Outbreak News dated 7 January.

This upward trend is expected during the winter season in China and other countries in the Northern Hemisphere.

Chinese authorities have also clarified to the WHO that the Chinese healthcare system is not overwhelmed and that no emergency declarations or responses have been triggered.

Human Metapneumovirus scare

Amid the hMPV scare, the DOH stressed that it is not a new disease.

The Health department explained it was discovered in 2001 by Dutch researchers in nasopharyngeal aspirate samples from children with respiratory infections caused by unknown pathogens.

In the Philippines, hMPV is being tested as part of panel 2 (expanded panel) for specimens that test negative on panel 1 (for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV) as part of our ILI and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) surveillance.

hMPV ranked 6th among the identified causative agents of ILI in the Philippines for 2024.

From 1 January to 21 December 2024, 284/4,921 (5.8 percent) positive samples were due to hMPV.

More recently from 1 to 21 December 2024, 10/339 (2.9 percent) positive samples were due to hMPV.

The DOH further noted that hMPV is “being detected sporadically, with no unusual clustering or pattern, throughout the year.”

“hMPV is not a new virus. We have been able to identify it for a long time. Its symptoms are not severe. Like the common cough and cold, it heals on its own as long as our resistance is strong,” DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa said.

“Strengthen our immune system! Remember TED — Tamang pagkain (proper food), Exercise, and Discipline in the body to strengthen resistance and avoid diseases,” Herbosa added.

Most people infected with hMPV would only have mild upper respiratory symptoms, which include cough, fever, nasal congestion and wheezing, according to the DOH.

The rare severe cases can result in bronchitis or pneumonia, particularly among infants, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals.

Meanwhile, those with pre-existing lung conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema, are at higher risk of severe outcomes.

The DOH reminded the general public, especially the young, immunocompromised, and elderly, to take caution by frequently washing their hands, avoiding crowded places when possible, and eating and drinking properly.

The DOH also urged those at high risk or with complicated symptoms to seek medical care as soon as possible.

“When sick, just stay home. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use alcohol. Facemasks are still voluntary — for those with symptoms, and for those who want to avoid the air,” Herbosa added.