by Carlito C. Dar / PIA
The Department of Health is advising the public to protect themselves from cold weather illnesses.
DOH Regional Director Amelita Pangilinan on Thursday advised residents to bring coats and maintain a healthy lifestyle, as the cold morning weather and the hot temperature in the afternoon may cause cough, colds, and other influenza-like illnesses.
Pangilinan said from January to Sept. 28, a total of 7,493 influenza-like illness cases were recorded in the Cordillera. Baguio, Abra, and Ifugao registered the most number of cases with 2,604; 1,750; and 1,279 cases, respectively.
The total number of cases is lower by eight percent compared to the 8,159 cases recorded during the same period last year, though Pangilinan said the cooler temperature expected in the coming days could trigger an increase in flu-like illnesses.
“Prevention is still better than cure. Protect yourself from the cold weather; maintain a healthy lifestyle; keep away from bad vices; maintain a balanced diet; have a regular exercise; and manage your stress,” Pangilinan said.
Meanwhile, the health official added dengue is still a concern in the region. The 6,837 cases as of Sept. 28 this year show a 38.9 percent increase compared to the 4,920 cases recorded during the same period last year.
Baguio City, Kalinga, and Benguet registered the most cases while Abra and Mountain Province also recorded an increase. Showing slight decrease in the number of cases are Apayao and Ifugao.
Pangilinan reminded the public to observe the 4 ‘o clock habit and 4S strategy against dengue to ensure the houses and surroundings are free of possible dengue mosquito breeding sites.
She also warned the public against measles as an increase in cases was also noted in the region with 169 suspected cases compared to the 54 cases recorded in 2012. Most of the cases were recorded in Baguio, Benguet, and Ifugao.