The Department of Health (DOH) allayed fears of the so-called ‘super flu’, pointing out that all the 17 patients of the new influenza subclass detected last year have since recovered, and no sustained local outbreak has been recorded.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said the cases were identified through a review of the Epidemiology Bureau’s influenza surveillance data, covering infections detected in July and August 2025, mostly in Metro Manila.
“Flu is a seasonal infectious disease. We’ve actually detected about 17 cases of this new subclass during that period, and all of them have recovered,” Herbosa said during a media briefing.
Herbosa made the statement amid reports of a surge in severe influenza cases in the United Kingdom and the United States, where winter conditions contribute to higher transmission and more serious complications.
The DOH chief explained influenza patterns differ in the Philippines, where flu season usually coincides with the rainy months, not winter.
He added that the country uses a Southern Hemisphere influenza vaccine formulation, which includes protection against influenza A strains most likely to circulate locally.
While some reports suggest the new influenza subclass may partially evade existing vaccines, Herbosa said vaccination remains strongly recommended for high-risk groups, including the elderly, immunocompromised individuals, and those with chronic illnesses.
“For young and otherwise healthy individuals, flu is usually self-limiting,” Herbosa said. “But if you have symptoms, stay at home, wear a face mask, cover your mouth and nose when coughing, and allow yourself to recover so you don’t spread the infection,” he added.
Asked about the department’s intervention after detecting the cases, Herbosa said the infections were identified retrospectively following international alerts from the United States health authorities.
President Marcos stressed that influenza naturally mutates, with more than 80 known variants monitored globally.
He said the World Health Organization uses predictive modeling to determine which influenza strains should be included in vaccines each year, noting that formulations differ between hemispheres based on projected dominant strains.
