DOH: 'Super flu' in PH not alarming; 17 cases detected from July to August 2025
The Department of Health said that there's no cause for alarm over the "super flu" spreading in the US and Europe.
During a press briefing on Jan. 7, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa noted there were 17 cases of super flu in Metro Manila from July to August 2025.
“(It is) not alarming but there is a new variant out there [...] We've reviewed our Epidemiology Bureau's surveillance of flu cases and we've actually detected 17 cases that were determined to be of the new subclass of the super flu. All of them have recovered," he said.
"[Flu] is a self-limiting illness unless meron kang medical condition, elderly ka, so we still recommend the use of the flu vaccine."
In a previous interview with One Balita Pilipinas in December 2025, Herbosa previously said that the Influenza A H3N2 Subclade K variant is presently affecting the US, the UK, and other parts of Europe.
Like other acute respiratory illnesses, Subclade K has flu-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, cough and cold, body aches, headaches, shivering, and intense fatigue. The virus is airborne.
It has been referred to as a "super flu" because it has mutated into a virus that can avoid the antibodies provided by flu vaccines. However, Herbosa noted that flu vaccines in the Philippines cover Influenza A.
"As long as makapag-vaccinate 'yung high risk. If you're a young individual, you get the flu, the same public health precautions. If you're sick, stay at home. If you have an upper respiratory infection, you should cover with a face mask, better stay at home and recover para you don't spread the flu."
Herbosa further advised those traveling to countries with relatively cold climates and super flu cases to get vaccinated.
“I think the warning I will give is for Filipinos who will travel to temperate countries, who will go to North America, to the UK. If you’re going there, be knowledgable that there is a spread of the super flu in that area,” he said.
“Maybe get the northern hemisphere vaccine. That’s my best advice for them. Kung magta-travel kayo, bibisita kayo sa kamag-anak ninyo sa malamig, winter places, get the shot—the northern hemisphere shot, not the southern hemisphere shot."
Disclaimer: This article is not meant to replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any questions you may have.
