The Department of Health in the Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) is advising the public including residents here to keep warm and protected from the cold weather, which has again started to drop.

Geeny Anne Austria, chief of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (RESU) at the DOH-CAR, on Monday said the cold temperature aggravates upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), asthma, and allergies of a person.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) here has recorded a 10.8 degrees Celsius temperature on Monday dawn.

The weather bureau synoptic station also recorded the lowest temperature this year at 10.4 degrees Celsius around 6:30 a.m. on Sunday (Jan. 10).

The temperature here and other high elevation areas in the Cordillera drops in January and February, as a result of the northeast monsoon or the prevailing “amihan” that brings cold air from Siberia.

Austria said that aside from wearing thick clothing, bonnets, mufflers, and gloves to keep the body warm, eating a healthy and balanced diet is also important.

Taking vitamins and other food supplements from natural sources will also boost the immune system and protect the body.

“Have a healthy lifestyle, walk and move aside from eating healthy food, (and) strengthen your immune system,” she said.

She added that walking is also a good form of exercise.

Dr. Ruby Constantino of the DOH-CAR said that staying home will also prevent a person with asthma and allergic rhinitis from having an aggravated condition.

“Know what triggers your illness and minimize exposure,” the doctor said. (PNA)