BAGUIO CITY (PIA) - - As the Northeast monsoon continues to bring cold winds to this mountain resort and the highlands of the Cordillera, the Department of Health Center for Health and Development – Cordillera (DOH – CAR) advises the public to  protect themselves from cold weather diseases.
 
DOH – CAR Nurse III Kristine Gale Raguindin, in a Kapihan media forum here Wednesday (January 10), said  influenza,  locally known as “trangkaso”, remains  a health concern as recorded cases continue to increase.
 
Influenza, a viral infection that attacks the respiratory track that composed of the nose, throat and lungs, is transmissible from one infected person to a healthy person through direct or indirect contact. It is  preventable by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and continual practice of minimum public health standards especially when in crowded  or enclosed spaces, Raguindin shared.

Aside from visiting a health facility for proper medication,  people who are experiencing flu  need enough rest and proper food and nutrition. They can also help stop spreading the disease by staying at home, limiting their contact with household members and by covering their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, she said.

DOH-CAR data showed that there were 7,021 Influenza-like illness (ILI) recorded in the region in  2023, a 75 percent increase compared to cases in 2022.
 
For severe acute respiratory illness, a more complicated ILI case characterized by  shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing and needs hospitalization, the DOH – CAR recorded 1,465 cases and two deaths, 92% up from the  762 cases recorded in 2022.

Meantime, DOH – CAR Senior Health Program Officer Victoria Malicdan also reminded the public to be wary of COVID – 19, which is also transmissible during the cold weather.

The DOH– CAR data for the period  January 1 to 7, 2024  shows 88 additional cases of COVID – 19. Of the 52 active cases, 41 are asymptomatic to mild and 11 are moderate to severe cases. The 88 cases recorded also showed an increase of 38 cases compared to the 50 cases recorded in the last week of December 2023.

There may still be more unrecorded COVID– 9 cases since the public health emergency is lifted. Despite experiencing symptoms, there may be people who do not submit themselves for medical consultation and testing/screening, Malicdan  said.

The prevailing cold weather is expected to be experienced until  next  month. The lowest minimum temperature  recorded so far this year is 13.2 degrees Celsius on  January 11.  (JDP/CCD-PIA CAR)