Flu, dengue, and leptospirosis could be reasons behind the rise of flu-like infections in the country, OCTA research fellow Guido David said on Saturday, Oct. 14.

He added that despite the positivity rate of COVID-19 rising to 5.7 percent nationwide and 7.2 percent in Metro Manila over the past weeks, further research was needed to rule out the leading cause behind the surge of people reporting flu-like symptoms.

“Hindi clear kung Covid-19 ito or just the season of flu. Tingin ko baka dahil hindi ganun kataas yung positivity rate baka may halong flu at may halong covid. Baka may halo ring dengue,” Guido told DRZH in an interview.

The Department of Health (DOH) earlier announced that cases of flu-like symptoms climbed due to the weather.

The OCTA research fellow added that random testing through RT-PCR or antigen would help, especially in schools that recently shifted online from in-person classes.

“I think mahalaga na ibalik at some level yung testing natin. Kahit random testing tayo lalo na dito sa mga nagkakasakit sa paaralan.

But for Guido, a possible solution to prevent catching these diseases was to revert to wearing face masks in public spaces.

“Ang isang basic recommendation ay pwede naman tayo magsuot ng face mask [dahil] karamihan dito ay respiratory virus,” he said.