Every year, from about September through early January, many parts of the Philippines see a rise in influenza-like illness (ILI). Health authorities stress that the current counts are not higher than last year—and right now, there is no countrywide outbreak.
Instead, experts say what we are seeing is seasonal clustering of several viruses (influenza A, rhinovirus, enterovirus, and others) rather than the spread of a new or unusually dangerous virus.
What “Influenza-Like Illness (ILI)” Means
“Influenza-like Illness,” or ILI, is a surveillance term used by health agencies to track trends of respiratory disease. Specifically, it refers to:
- Acute fever of ≥ 38 °C, plus
- Cough or sore throat,
- With onset within about 10 days.
Importantly, ILI is a syndrome — it’s not one disease. Many kinds of respiratory viruses can cause ILI symptoms.
Health centers, hospitals, and school clinics (called sentinel sites) report ILI cases. Authorities then use these reports to detect unusual spikes or patterns.
5 Common Myths About ILI
Myth 1 — “If ILI is spreading, it must be a new or more dangerous virus.”
Reality: Seasonal rises of ILI are expected each year, especially in cooler or rainy months.
Evidence: Authorities and infectious disease experts say the recent increase follows normal seasonal patterns, not a novel virus or national outbreak.
What to do: Follow updates from the Department of Health (DOH). Watch local sentinel reports. Take action when official advisories come (vaccination drives, school or clinic instructions).
Myth 2 — “Masks don’t help against the flu or ILI.”
Reality: Many ILI pathogens spread via droplets (coughs, sneezes). Masks block or reduce droplet spread.
Evidence: Studies and guidance from health agencies recommend mask use especially in crowded, indoor, or poorly ventilated settings during peak times.
What to do: Wear a mask if you’re around people with respiratory symptoms, or when in crowded/indoor spaces during times when transmission is high. Pair mask use with hand hygiene and staying home if you feel sick.
Myth 3 — “Antibiotics will cure ILI.”
Reality: ILI is mostly caused by viruses, against which antibiotics are ineffective.
Evidence: Unnecessary antibiotic use does not help viral illnesses and can drive antibiotic resistance.
What to do: Only use antibiotics if a health professional diagnoses a bacterial infection. If symptoms worsen or persist, seek medical assessment.
Myth 4 — “Getting the flu vaccine can give you the flu.”
Reality: Modern inactivated influenza vaccines cannot cause influenza.
Evidence: What some people interpret as “getting the flu” after vaccination mostly reflects other circulating viruses, or mild immune responses—not infection from the vaccine.
What to do: Get the seasonal flu vaccine if you’re in a recommended group (children, older adults, pregnant persons, people with chronic conditions, health workers). Check with DOH or local clinics for availability and timing.
Myth 5 — “If schools or workplaces close briefly, it means an outbreak or panic is warranted.”
Reality: Temporary closures or disinfection drives are often precautionary, not signs of a major outbreak.
Evidence: The DOH and local authorities have clarified that some recent shutdowns were preventive measures—not responses to a nationwide crisis.
What to do: View closures as opportunities to reinforce hygiene, vaccinate eligible people, and follow official instructions on when it’s safe to return.
Practical, Evidence-Based Steps for Households and Communities
Here are straightforward actions you and your community can take now:
- Stay home and isolate when you’re symptomatic.
- Seek medical care if you have high fever, trouble breathing, worsening symptoms, or if you live with vulnerable persons (elderly, infants, people with chronic illness).
- Practice hand hygiene.
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Use alcohol-based sanitizer if soap is not available.
- Cover your coughs/sneezes (use your elbow or tissue).
- Use masks wisely.
- In crowded indoor settings, wear a mask.
- If someone in your home is sick, mask usage inside the home helps reduce spread.
- Ventilate and clean shared spaces.
- Open windows, run fans to improve air flow.
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces (doorknobs, light switches, mobile phones).
- Delay nonessential gatherings when local ILI reports are high.
- Consider seasonal influenza vaccination.
- Especially for eligible groups.
- Consult your local DOH clinic or medical provider for availability.
- Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics.
- Only take antibiotics with a medical prescription when a bacterial infection is confirmed or strongly suspected.
Quick Reference: Local Evidence and Expert Statements
- Health authorities report that current ILI counts are not higher than last year, and that increases are within expected seasonal ranges.
- DOH has emphasized that recent increases represent seasonal clustering of respiratory viruses, not a new or unusual epidemic.
- The ILI definition and sentinel surveillance system (fever + cough/sore throat, onset within 10 days) are used in media reports covering DOH guidance.
- Local authorities note that some school or facility closures were precautionary, not reactions to epidemic surges.
Watch: Influenza-Like Illness Cases Rising in the Philippines | Health Alert October 2025
As the rainy season sweeps across the Philippines, the Department of Health raises the alarm on the growing number of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases.
ILI shows up like the flu—fever, cough, sore throat, body aches—but it’s not always caused by the influenza virus.
Children, seniors, and those with weak immune systems feel the brunt, especially in crowded or poorly ventilated areas.
Doctors remind the public to stay home when sick, drink plenty of water, and get checked if symptoms last more than three days.
Simple habits like handwashing, covering coughs, and getting the yearly flu shot help stop the spread before it gets worse.
Final Thoughts
A seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses is not unusual in the Philippines from September through early January. Right now, the increase in ILI is considered within normal bounds, and not a nationwide outbreak.
Understanding what ILI means, clearing up myths, and taking evidence-based measures can help you and your community stay healthy. Be alert, act wisely, rely on credible health sources (like the DOH), and support one another in prevention and care.