BAGUIO City recorded its lowest temperature at 10.2 degrees Celsius at around 7 a.m., February 1, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa).
The 10.2 degrees Celsius reading surpassed the 11.2 temperature recorded on January 31.
With the dropping of temperature, health officials warned residents and even tourists to stay warm as Februay is considered the season of high influenza cases based on previous observations of the Department of Health-Cordillera.
Doctor Thea Cajulao, Infectious Disease Specialist of the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center(BGHMC) said the month of February is considered to be the influenza season which brings in the cold weather particularly in the Cordillera Region.
“The cold weather is very conducive to the transmission of the virus and our area is a hotspot not only for the coronavirus but all influenza viruses as well, so this month is part of the influenza season so we see an increase of respiratory tract infections not only to the coronavirus but to influenza in general,” Cajulao said.
DOH - Cordillera assistant regional director Janice Bugtong meanwhile earlier said for viruses to effectively infect the body, it should undergo the process of agent-host-environment.
“For example, the corona virus is the agent which infects a patient which is the host within the environment which in the case of Baguio City has a cold environment. However for coronavirus cases in relation to the cold weather of the city, we would still have to follow the 14 day monitoring cycle of a patient under investigation for the said particular virus,” Bugtong explained.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and regional health department explained the single best way to prevent flu is to get vaccinated each year, aside from practicing good health habits like covering mouth while coughing and washing hands often to stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.
DOH also advised people to avoid close contact with people who are sick while recommending sick persons to stay at home to prevent the spreading of the illness.
Those who have flu are also advised to avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth as germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
“Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food,” Bugtong added.
The lowest temperature recorded in Baguio City was 6.3 degrees Celsius on January 18, 1961.
Pag - asa attributed the cold weather on Saturday the surge of “amihan” prevailing across the country.
It added the “amihan” may bring cloudy skies with light rains over Aurora, Quezon, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Apayao, Cagayan, Batanes, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Biliran, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar, Samar, and Southern Leyte.