COLDER weather continues in the Summer Capital with temperature dipping to 10.5 degrees Celsius Friday morning and 9.6 early Saturday morning.
Engr. Larry Esperanza of PAGASA – Baguio confirmed the 9.6 temperature monitored Satruday morning was the lowest so far for this year. Lower temperatures earlier recorded were 10.8 degrees Celsius in Jan. 25 and 11.2 degrees Celsius on February 8, 2016.
Esperanza said the cold weather may prevail until the third week of February.
Meantime, the Department of Health advised the public to protect themselves from the cold to prevent Influenza- like illnesses and other cold weather – related virus and diseases.
DOH Asst. Regional Director Dr. Amelita Pangilinan, in a Kapihan media forum Thursday, reported 268 cases of influenza like illnesses recorded in the region from January 1 to January 26. Though the figure is around 75 percent decrease compared to the 1081 cases recorded during the same period last year, Pangilinan still advised the public to protect themselves from the cold weather as prevention is still the best way to combat any sickness.
The DOH official reminded the public to boost their immune system, be healthy, keep yourself warm, drink a lot of water, eat more fruits, have enough sleep and manage stress.
Dr. Mylenen Genuino of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, in the same forum, advised those with heart problems and hypertension to be wary of the cold weather as it may cause constriction of the heart and increase blood pressure. (Carlito Dar/PIA-CAR and Liezl Libiran/UC Intern)