The Department of Health (DOH) is urging the public to stay calm and cautious amid reports of an increase in flu-like illnesses across the country. They clarified that no lockdowns are being planned, contrary to misleading claims circulating online.
According to Herbosa, what the country is experiencing is the usual wave of seasonal illnesses such as coughs, colds, and fever that tend to spread faster during the rainy months. “This isn’t a flu outbreak. It’s our ILI (influenza-like illness) season,” he said.
The DOH made the statement after social media posts claimed that some areas in Luzon would be placed under lockdown due to an alleged outbreak.
Herbosa said there’s no outbreak or epidemic in Metro Manila or other regions, and the increase in ILI cases is within the expected range for this time of year. In fact, around 133,000 cases were recorded in September (lower than the 155,000 reported during the same period in 2024).
“Yes, many are getting sick, but these are caused by different viruses,” Herbosa explained. “There’s no outbreak from a single virus, so there’s no need for a lockdown.”
Instead, the health department is calling on the public to take simple precautions: wear a mask if you have symptoms, stay home when you’re sick, and keep practicing good hygiene.
While the DOH continues to monitor the situation closely, emphasizing that these illnesses are part of the country’s regular flu season, they remind the public to stay cautious and responsible.
