Baguio: The City Health Services Office (CHSO) advised residents to take extra precautions against influenza and, if possible, get vaccinated for additional protection, especially amid the colder season.

According to Philippines News Agency, City Health Officer Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes on Thursday encouraged the public to take advantage of available flu vaccines. The CHSO offers free flu shots to senior citizens through local health centers and rural health units. She noted the effectiveness of the shot in reducing severe illness among vulnerable groups such as senior citizens and those with underlying health conditions.

Brillantes also reminded residents to practice preventive measures similar to those observed during the Covid-19 pandemic, including wearing masks when coughing or sneezing and frequent hand sanitization, and observing physical distancing. ‘Remember to wear a mask when someone nearby is coughing or sneezing. Keeping hands clean helps prevent both infection and transmission,’ she added.

She also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong immune system through proper rest, nutrition, and by wearing thick clothing to guard against the cooler temperatures brought by the northeast monsoon.

Meanwhile, Saint Louis University (SLU) announced the temporary suspension of all in-person classes from Oct. 23 to 25 as a preventive measure against the rising number of flu cases. In an advisory issued on Wednesday night, SLU announced that classes across all levels, from basic education to graduate school, will transition to synchronous online sessions. Face-to-face classes will resume on Oct. 27. The university’s health services unit will remain open for medical consultations, while students may avail themselves of free vitamins during the suspension period.