DOH warns public vs. false info on Omicron subvariant

The Department of Health (DOH) on Wednesday warned the public against  false information on Omicron subvariant XBB symptoms.

“The DOH warns against messages linking DOH Department Memorandum No. 2022-0578 to disseminate inaccurate information on Omicron XBB Subvariant symptoms,” the department said in an advisory.

“The said document was issued to intensify surveillance activities amidst rising COVID-19 cases abroad,” it added.

The department reiterated that COVID-19 exhibits flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, headache, body pain, and diarrhea among others.

“For proper diagnosis of symptoms, consult with your physician or head to the nearest health facility. To help prevent further transmission of COVID-19, continue observing proper sanitation, masking, distancing, and good ventilation. Further, vaccination remains to be the best defense against severe COVID-19,” the DOH said.

The Health department also encouraged the public to be vigilant and disseminate accurate information found from its official social media platforms.

The DOH earlier said no cases of the highly contagious Omicron subvariant XBB.1.5 have been detected in the country.

It also reiterated that COVID-19 variants will "continue to emerge and re-emerge."—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA Integrated News