DOH Links Increased Respiratory Illness Cases to Enhanced Monitoring Post-Covid
Manila – The Department of Health (DOH) has attributed the recent rise in respiratory illnesses, including influenza-like illnesses (ILI), to improved monitoring and surveillance in the health sector following the Covid-19 pandemic. This explanation was provided by DOH Assistant Secretary for Public Health Services Mylene Beltran during a public inquiry held by the Senate Committee on Health and Demography.
According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the inquiry on Monday, the current surge in respiratory illness cases is consistent with global trends observed in similar periods in the past. She noted that the government’s heightened surveillance now includes monitoring of all ILI cases, in contrast to the previous focus solely on Covid-19. Beltran reassured that no local government unit has declared an outbreak so far. She also mentioned that increased social mobility and the lifting of health restrictions are contributing factors to the rise in cases.
The DOH has put in place mechanisms and systems to be more prepared, drawing lessons from the Covid-19 experience, Beltran said. While wearing face masks is currently voluntary, the DOH encourages their use. ILI encompasses conditions involving fever and respiratory symptoms such as sore throat or cough.
Dr. Alethea de Guzman, Chief of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, explained that illnesses like influenza, Covid-19, and walking pneumonia share similar symptoms. The distinction among them can be made through throat swabs or oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal swabs. De Guzman urged individuals, especially the young, elderly, and those with comorbidities, to get tested for ILI symptoms at hospitals or the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine.
Dr. Razel Nikka Hao, Chief of the DOH’s Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, emphasized maintaining minimum public health standards, including respiratory etiquette. She noted that the DOH provides influenza and pneumococcal vaccines, especially for indigent elderly. This year, the vaccines were distributed across regions by August, and plans are in place to expand access to adults with comorbidities next year.
The Senate inquiry, chaired by Senator Christopher Lawrence ‘Bong’ Go, was initiated in response to a resolution filed by Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva. The resolution aimed to assess the government’s preparedness in light of a global increase in respiratory illnesses. Go highlighted the Covid-19 pandemic’s lessons and the importance of strengthening healthcare systems. He also referenced reports from the Chinese National Health Commission and observations from Europe and North America regarding the rise in respiratory disease incidences.