The Department of Health (DOH) said influenza-like illnesses have yet to peak as the country is still within the flu season.

The DOH defines influenza-like illnesses as sudden onset of fever of more than or equal to 38 Celsius and cough or sore throat in the absence of other diagnoses.

In a radio interview, Assistant Health Secretary Albert Domingo said: "We are within the flu season right now. We must keep in mind that the period from June to November is when cases of our flu-like illnesses increase."

"We know that during this time that ILI cases start to increase. We have not even peaked yet because it is still raining," he added.

Based on the latest data, the DOH said there have been 121,716 influenza-like cases from January 1 to September 27.

"In our ILI count, nationwide, the numbers are eight percent lower than the number in 2024 as of September 27, which was 132,538 cases," said Domingo.

On Sunday, the Department of Education (DepEd) ? National Capital Region (NCR) suspended face-to-face classesin all public schools in Metro Manila for October 13 and 14.

This is to allow disinfection and sanitation of school facilities amid increasing cases of influenza-like illnesses. DMS

According to the DOH, the move of DepEd should not alarm the public as it is merely a precautionary measure to prevent the further spread of ILI cases.