The Department of Health (DOH) noted a lower percentage of flu-like illness cases this year compared to the same period in 2024.

DOH Spokesperson Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo said the Health department logged 121,716 cases of influenza-like illnesses as of 27 September, compared to the 132,538 during the same period last year. This is eight percent lower.

However, Domingo noted that "beginning this season," the number of influenza-like illnesses will still rise.

"At the national level, the number of influenza-like illnesses is lower than last year thus far. It is sound precaution for local and institutional health authorities to practice preventive measures to keep the numbers down," he told reporters on Monday.

The DOH official made the statement after the Department of Education (DepEd) announced on Sunday the suspension of face-to-face classes in all public schools in Metro Manila on 13 and 14 October amid the increasing cases of influenza-like illnesses among students and school personnel.

Domingo, however, said this is just a normal precaution for DepEd for flu-like illnesses.

"Yes, this is just a normal precaution and based on their announcement, they are also taking earthquake preparedness for the Big One," he added.