Cases of respiratory infection rising; health precautions pushed

MANILA, Philippines — Cases of acute respiratory infection, including COVID-19, increased during the Christmas season, Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said on Friday.

Herbosa, however, pointed out that COVID-19 is now just “one of the many illnesses” that cause acute respiratory infection, which could be contracted during social gatherings. 

“Kasi maraming party, maraming family reunion, maraming tao sa shopping malls, maraming tao sa public places. So talagang the risk of getting any respiratory infection is high, including COVID-19 cases,” Herbosa said.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa during a press briefing in Manila on Friday, December 15, 2023.  (Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net)

(There are many parties, family reunions,  people in shopping malls and other public places. So the risk of getting any respiratory infection is really high, including COVID-19.)

“No worries”

Herbosa said COVID-19 today is no longer like its earlier variant that causes severe pneumonia and even death. 

“We shouldn’t be worried about COVID-19 anymore, because according to infectious disease experts, the most recent variants of interest are just like the common colds, and cough, and flu,” Herbosa said.

He, however, noted that any respiratory infection may still pose risks to senior citizens, those with weak immune systems, and children with  comorbidities. 

Watch out for other illnesses

Instead of solely focusing on COVID-19, Herbosa reminded the public to watch out too for other illnesses.

“Tandaan natin, maraming ibang sakit, there are many illnesses other than COVID, and yun ang ating i-focus. Lahat, let us have a more inclusive approach, na lahat ng sakit, bantayan natin,” he said.

(Let us remember that there are many illnesses, there are many illnesses other than COVID, and we should focus on that. Everything, let us have a more inclusive approach, let us watch out for all illnesses.)

Health precautions  

If experiencing symptoms of respiratory infection, the DOH encouraged the public to at least wear face masks, “or better yet, just stay at home.”

According to Herbosa, if someone has a respiratory illness, testing negative for COVID-19 does not mean he or she does not have a transmissible virus.

“Ibig sabihin non, mayroon ka pang virus, hindi lang nga COVID. Pero mayroon ka ring infectious disease,” he said.

(That means you still have a virus, it is just not COVID. But you have an infectious disease.)

Herbosa also reminded about the importance of proper and regular hand washing to avoid illnesses.

‘Ditch the party, stay home’

“So yung acute respiratory illnesses na nakakahawa, if possible, you stay home. Kahit may party opisina niyo, you stay home. If you are not sure, mag-mask ka to protect other people,” he added. 

(So for contagious acute respiratory illnesses, if possible, you stay home. Even if there is a party in your office,  stay home. If you are not sure, wear a mask to protect other people.)

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