The Flu in the Philippines: Why It’s More Serious Than Many Moms Think

Many Filipino moms think of the flu as “just trangkaso.” A few days of fever, cough, and rest, then life goes back to normal. While there’s truth in that statement, sometimes, influenza is not just a simple cold. When left untreated, it may progress to something worse, like pneumonia. Understanding the facts about influenza can help protect your whole family, especially your most vulnerable loved ones.

What the Flu Really Is

Influenza, or “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It affects the nose, throat, and lungs¹.

It is not the same as the “stomach flu,” since influenza does not usually cause vomiting or diarrhea. The virus spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. It can also spread when someone touches contaminated surfaces and then touches their mouth, nose, or eyes².

There are three main influenza virus types: A, B, and C.

• Type A and B cause seasonal outbreaks every year.

• Type C is less common and usually mild.

Once exposed, symptoms appear within one to four days. A person with the flu can spread the virus from just before symptoms start until about two weeks later³.

Common Flu Symptoms Moms Should Watch For

Flu symptoms usually come suddenly and are stronger than those of the common cold.

• High fever and chills

• Headache and sore throat

• Runny or blocked nose

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• Muscle aches and body pain

• Tiredness or fatigue

• Cough and sometimes shortness of breath

If your child, lola, or anyone in your family shows these symptoms, it is important to monitor them closely⁴.

Why the Flu Is Still a Serious Concern in the Philippines

The flu continues to be one of the top causes of illness among Filipinos.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), in 2024 there were:

• 2,179,176 cases of acute respiratory infections (a 15% increase from 2023)

• 108,951 influenza-like illness (ILI) cases (a 33.4% increase)

• 584,980 pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections (a 6.7% rise)³

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Globally, influenza infects about one billion people every year, causing three to five million severe cases and up to 650,000 deaths⁵. Around 99% of influenza-related deaths among children under five happen in developing countries like the Philippines⁵.

Why Some People Are at Higher Risk

While healthy people often recover at home, certain groups are more likely to face complications²:

• Infants and young children: Over 90 million flu cases occur in kids under five each year. Around 900,000 need hospital care, and 41% develop complications. Most deaths happen in children under five, especially within the first three months of life.

• Pregnant women: They are eight times more likely to be hospitalized than non-pregnant women and more likely to experience complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, or pregnancy loss⁵.

• Older adults (65 years and above): Age-related immunity decline, existing illnesses, and close living environments increase their risk. This group accounts for 50–70% of all flu-related hospitalizations and 90% of flu-related deaths³.

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• People with chronic conditions: Nine out of ten flu-hospitalized adults have at least one condition such as hypertension, heart disease, COPD, or obesity².

The Hidden Dangers of Influenza

Influenza does not just affect the lungs. It can also trigger or worsen other diseases throughout the body¹⁴:

• Brain and Nerves: Increases risk of stroke up to eight times and may cause encephalopathy or seizures.

• Heart and Blood Vessels: Raises the chance of heart attacks up to ten times and can cause myocarditis, stroke, or blood clots.

• Lungs: Leads to eight times more pneumonia and worsens asthma and COPD.

• Diabetes: Causes poor blood sugar control, three times higher hospitalization, and four times higher ICU admission risk.

• Kidneys: May cause acute kidney injury, especially in those with existing kidney disease.

• Overall health: Can result in weight loss, weakness, pressure ulcers, and loss of independence, especially in elderly adults.

Recent Flu Outbreaks in Asia Show It’s Not “Just the Flu”

At the beginning of 2025, several high-profile cases reminded the region of how deadly influenza can be⁵:

• Japan faced its biggest flu outbreak in 25 years with over 317,000 cases in late December 2024.

• Taiwan saw 168,352 flu-like cases in just two weeks (January 2025).

• Shanghai reported the death of a 27-year-old celebrity from a CNS infection linked to influenza.

• In Taiwan, a 73-year-old airline president died from a heart attack triggered by influenza.

• In Japan, a 48-year-old actress passed away due to influenza pneumonia.

These cases are tragic reminders that influenza can be fatal, even for healthy adults.

What Moms Can Do to Protect Their Families

As mothers, we play a key role in keeping our families safe. Here’s how:

1. Get the Flu Vaccine Every Year

Vaccination remains the best protection³.

• The DOH and RITM recommend annual vaccination for children, seniors, pregnant women, and those with chronic illnesses.

• Caregivers of high-risk individuals should also get vaccinated.

2. Practice Good Hygiene

• Wash hands often with soap and water.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

• Stay home when sick to prevent spreading the virus².

3. Strengthen Immunity

Make sure your family eats healthy, sleeps well, and stays hydrated. These simple habits help the body fight infections.

4. Seek Medical Care Early

If a family member develops flu symptoms and belongs to a high-risk group (like babies, seniors, or people with chronic diseases), see a doctor right away.
Antiviral medicines work best when taken within 48 hours after symptoms begin⁵.

Why Moms Should Take Flu Seriously

The flu can quietly worsen chronic diseases, lead to pneumonia, and cause long-term complications. It also strains family finances when loved ones are hospitalized³.

Prevention is far simpler and more affordable than treatment. Getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and responding early can protect the people who mean the world to you³.

Final Reminder for Every Filipino Mom

Flu may seem common, but for infants, elderly parents, or anyone with health issues, it can be life-threatening. Taking influenza seriously means showing love in action by preventing illness before it strikes.

Protecting your family starts with awareness, vaccination, and care. Because when it comes to health, being safe is always better than being sorry.