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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Monday cautioned the public against “inaccurate information” about the Omicron XBB variant of COVID-19 that has been circulating on social media and online messaging applications.
It was particularly referring to an online post claiming the Omicron XBB coronavirus variant does not exhibit typical COVID-19 symptoms such as cough and fever.
“The DOH warns the public regarding a circulating message in the social media and messaging apps on the inaccurate information about the Omicron XBB variant,” it said in an advisory.
The DOH advisory then clarified that in general, COVID-19 exhibits flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, body pain, and diarrhea, among others.
It also urged the public to refer to their physicians or the nearest health facility for proper diagnosis of symptoms.
“To help prevent further transmission of COVID-19, continue observing proper sanitation, masking, distancing, and good ventilation,” the DOH likewise reiterated.
“Further, vaccination remains to be the best defense against severe COVID-19. The DOH enjoins the public to source information only from legitimate sources and platforms,” it added.
The DOH has official pages or accounts on Facebook and Twitter, and may also be reached through its COVID-19 hotline 1555 or (02) 894-26843.
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