Feeling Sick? Disease Expert Says ‘Super Flu’ in NCR Could Last Until February

(SPOT.ph) If it feels like everyone around you has been coughing, sniffling, or calling in sick, you're not imagining it. Experts say flu-like illnesses in Metro Manila could continue until February, with a new strain now being referred to as a “super flu.”

Infectious disease specialist Rontgene Solante points to a subclade of Influenza A, also known as Subclade K, which has spread to dozens of other countries over the past six months. It’s called a “super flu” because the virus has changed in ways that may help it slip past some vaccine protection.

“It's a highly transmissible type of virus. Most of [the sick ones] are in the NCR... Especially now, wala na nagfe-face mask, maraming lumalabas, pumupunta sa mall. This season is also where a virus can circulate more and faster,” Solante told Super Radyo DZBB.

Despite the ominous nickname, symptoms are the usual ones we watch out for: fever, cough, colds, body aches, and fatigue. At the same time, Solante said the super flu isn’t to be taken lightly. Symptoms can drag on for more than a week—or even close to two weeks—especially for people who don’t get enough rest and continue reporting to work or going out while sick. It could also lead to further complications if left untreated.

“It’s not something na ordinary lang. Kailangan pa rin natin maging aware sa ganitong sakit,” Solante said. “Hindi lang respiratory ang complications ng flu. It could also lead to sakit sa puso, kagaya ng atake sa puso. Even a stroke could be a manifestation of an infection.”

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Aside from advicing the public to wear face masks in crowded spaces, get enough rest, and avoid unnecessary contact with people who may not be feeling well, experts are saying it’s a different conversation once you’re already feeling unwell. Persistent coughing or difficulty breathing for five to seven days is already a sign to head to the hospital, Solante stated, as earlier treatment helps prevent complications.

“Punta na tayo sa hospital. Wag na tayo magpa-delay,” Solante said. “The earlier you get diagnosed with the infection, maibigay 'yung gamot agad, mas mataas ‘yung benepisyo na hindi ito magcocomplicate.”

The good news is that many of those who tested positive with the super flu have since recovered, which Solante said may be linked to vaccination. He reminded the public that flu vaccination should be done annually. For 2026, a new vaccine formulation is expected to cover Subclade K once it becomes available.

“For this year 2026, meron na naman bagong formulation. It will cover for this super flu,” Solante said. “Once the flu vaccine will be available by February or March, sana makabakuna tayo para ’di tataas yung mga kaso ng super flu sa atin.”

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