The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) has urged the public to continue observing flu prevention measures—such as vaccination, frequent hand hygiene, proper cough etiquette, and mask use among vulnerable groups—as the influenza positivity rate in Metro Manila rose to 42 percent in October, signaling ongoing community transmission.
In its Flu Task Force Report released on Oct. 17, PSMID said it compiled surveillance data from the Infection Control Committees of tertiary hospitals across Metro Manila.
“Flu cases began to rise in August 2025 and have continued through the first week of October. During this period, the hospitals performed over 6,000 flu tests,” the report stated.
According to PSMID, 39 percent of those tested in August and September were positive for flu, climbing to 42 percent in October.
“These high positivity rates point to ongoing community transmission and show that a substantial proportion of people tested were indeed infected with flu,” it said.
The data covered four major hospitals in the capital: Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, Chinese General Hospital, and the Philippine General Hospital.
“Flu testing was performed using either influenza rapid antigen test kits or multiplex PCR assays,” the report added.
The group also assured that it would continue to closely monitor flu activity as part of its pandemic preparedness and response framework.
“The society, through its members who lead infection control committees, will continue monitoring flu reports as part of pandemic preparedness efforts,” PSMID stated. (Jel Santos)
