City Health Office Officer-In-Charge Dr. Tomas Miguel Ababon during the I-Speak Media Forum on Thursday confirmed that there are now more than 170 confirmed influenza-like illnesses (ILI) recorded by the City Epidemiology Unit as of the second week of January.
“Sa karon naa ta’y mga ILI– mga influenza-like Illness which is dili lang na siya tungod sa ulan naa gyud na siya pirmi (We have recorded ILIs- Influenza-like Illness, which can be caused not only by the rains, it is here regardless of the season),” Ababon said.
Ababon said the symptoms of ILI include cough and colds, which are very common.
He added that as with the Department of Health, their office recommends that Dabawenyos practice minimum health requirements to avoid being ill.
“If you are not feeling well, stay at home. In case you go out wear a well-fitted mask, distansya gihapon ta, kadtong minimum health standard nato mao na siya ang ginapatuman gyud sa city (If you are not feeling well, stay at home and in case you go out wear a well-fitted mask, observe proper distancing, these are the minimum health standards imposed in the city),” Ababon said.
He also said that the minimum health standards should be observed, especially by those with co-morbidities such as hypertension, and diabetes.
Ababon said that the CHO has administered close to 10,000 vials of flu vaccine and pneumococcal vaccine to companies, employees of city hall offices, and private offices in the past year. The remaining vials are intended for senior citizens.
“Nagagamay na ang supply but nagapadayon mi’g bakuna para sa senior citizens (The supply is low now but we continue to vaccinate our senior citizens),” he said, adding that the remaining vaccines for senior citizens are available in all district health centers, and in barangay health centers. CIO
