13/10/2025
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐| ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ผ-๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ (๐๐๐)
As the seasons change and people start to gather more often, certain illnesses begin to spread quickly within communities. One of the most common among these is Influenza-like Illness, also known as ILI. It is a contagious infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can be caused by different viruses or bacteria, and its symptoms often resemble those of the common cold, flu, or even COVID-19. Learning the symptoms, causes, and prevention of ILI, could help protect ourselves, our families, and our community.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Influenza-like Illness is an infection that includes fever of at least 38ยฐC along with cough that undergoes within ten days. A person with ILI may also experience several symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, fatigue, and body pain. With these symptoms, it can sometimes be confusing because it resembles to those of the common cold, flu, or even COVID-19, but knowing the differences helps in seeking proper medication, treatment, and care.
Influenza-like Illness can easily spread from one person to another through droplets of that comes out when an infected person sneezes. These droplets can land on objects or surfaces that other might be in contact, and when they touch their nose, lips, and eyes, the bacteria can enter their body, and weaken their immune system. A person with the illness can also spread the virus 3 to 4 days even before the symptoms appear, meaning it can spread even if someone doesn't look or feel sick. This notes for everyone to stay clean and always be cautious at all times.
A person with symptoms of ILI may do the following:
โข Stay at home and avoid having contact with other people.
โข Refrain socializing to people with "high risk" such as elderly people aged 65 years and above, people with other illnesses, pregnant, and childrens aged 4 years old and below.
โข Drink medicine for sickness like paracetamol.
โข Make sure to have enough sleep.
โข Drink water and eat nutritious food.
To prevent Influenza-like Illness, the Department of Health (DOH) reminds everyone to practice proper hygiene, lifestyle, and responsible habits every day. First, make sure that you and your family are fully vaccinated to strengthen your body's protection and fight against Illnesses. Avoid crowded and tight places where germs or bacteria can easily spread, and also always wear face masks especially when going outdoors or feeling unwell, it also prevents the germs to enter your body. When you cough or sneeze, make sure to cover your mouth and nose using your elbow or a tissue to avoid spreading droplets. It is also important to have good air flow and ventilation to in your home, school, or workplace. Lastly, practice washing your hands with soap and clean water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer to remove germs and other substances in our hands. By following this simple, yet effective steps, we can all help stop the spread of ILI by being observant and careful and keep our community safe and healthy.
The common cold, flu, and COVID-19 share similar symptoms but differ in intensity and effects. A cold usually causes runny nose, sneezing, and sore throat, while the flu often leads to fever, body ache, and tiredness. Meanwhile, COVID-19 may include these symptoms plus shortness of breath and loss of taste or smell, making it more serious and requiring medical attention.
Be aware. Be cautious. Stay safe from ILIโs touch! ๐งโ๐ฌ๐ท
โ๏ธArticle by: Rowell Morales
๐ผ๏ธ Illustrated by: Cedrick Villanueva
