SANTA CRUZ, Manila — The Department of Health (DoH) is advising the public to take precautions against an influenza-like illness that is spreading due to the cold weather spell which is expected to last until the whole of next month.

According to DoH assistant seccretary Albert Francis Domingo, though the illness may be a concern, there is neither virus nor bacteria but the respiratory tract is irritated due to the changing moisture content in the air.

“Kapag nangyari iyan, iyong ating respiratory tract, yung daanan ng hangin sa ating katawan, naninibago siya. Kahit walang virus kahit, walang bakteriya, naiirita yung kanilang daanan ng hangin dahil nag-iba yung moisture content ng hangin,” the health official pointed out.

Domingo, however, clarified that there is no upward trend of influenza-like cases despite the cases of people with colds, fevers and body aches.

He advised the public to regularly wash their hands, drink seven to eight glasses of water daily, eat healthy food and get six to eight hours of sleep every day. He also reminded people to stay home or to wear a face mask if they experience influenza-like symptoms.

Based on latest monitoring, 5,789 influenza-like cases were recorded as of January 18. This figure is actually percent lower as compared to the same period in the previous year when 12,620 influenza-like cases were logged in.

State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) had announced that the cold weather will continue until the end of February or in early March.

“Itong high pressure cell magpupush ng malalamig na hangin mula sa mga bansang nakararanas ng winter season patungo dito sa ating bansa at normally, nagsastart po yan sa buwan ng Nobyembre at karaniwang tumatagal ng hanggang Pebrero ng susunod na taon," PAGASA weather services chief Chris Perez disclosed.