What is the best way to deal with the respiratory virus season?

Did we really need to suspend classes over it?

- DR. EDSEL MAURICE T. SALVANA

Last week, the Department of Education preemptively suspended classes in Metro Manila public schools due to increasing cases of influenza-like illnesses among children. This was done in an attempt to interrupt transmission and to disinfect classrooms and other school facilities. Many private schools followed suit. In the meantime, the Department of Health clarified that the increase in cases was not unusual for this time of year, and so it was not technically a flu outbreak. It reiterated measures to decrease the risk of infection, such as staying home if you are sick and wearing a mask, especially if you have chronic health problems.

What is an influenza-like illness (ILI)? The World Health Organization defines ILI as any illness that causes a fever of 38°C or higher plus a cough. This is a very nonspecific definition and can include noninfectious causes of fever and cough. From a practical medical standpoint, doctors usually refer to ILIs as a syndrome that is caused by respiratory viruses or bacteria that cause fever as well as cough, colds, and other respiratory symptoms.