Flu positivity rate in Metro Manila rises to 42%

October 21 ------ The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID) reported that the positivity rate for influenza, or flu, in Metro Manila has increased to 42 percent in October, indicating ongoing community transmission in the region. In its Flu Task Force Report released, PSMID said it collated surveillance data from the Infection Control Committees of tertiary hospitals across Metro Manila. “Flu cases began to rise in August 2025 and have continued through the first week of October. During this period, the hospitals performed over 6,000 flu tests,” it stated.

Per PSMID, 39 percent of those tested in August and September were positive for flu, which increased to 42 percent in October. “These high positivity rates point to ongoing community transmission and show that a substantial proportion of people tested were indeed infected with flu,” it said. The data covered four major hospitals in the capital: Makati Medical Center, The Medical City, Chinese General Hospital, and the Philippine General Hospital. “Flu testing was performed using either influenza rapid antigen test kits or multiplex PCR assays,” the report added.

The society underscored the need for continued adherence to preventive health measures to reduce flu infections and severe cases. “PSMID emphasizes the importance of adhering to flu prevention measures, including vaccination, frequent hand hygiene, proper cough etiquette, and mask use among individuals at higher risk of severe illness, such as young children, the elderly, and those with comorbidities,” it said. The group also assured that it would continue to closely monitor flu activity as part of its pandemic preparedness and response framework. “The society, through its members who lead infection control committees, will continue monitoring flu reports as part of pandemic preparedness efforts,” PSMID stated.

Source: mb.com.ph