The Ministry Health & Medical Services is urging members of the public to take adequate precautions against flu-like illness after noting an increase in reports of flu-like illness (also called Influenza-Like Illnesses or ILI) in the Northern Division.
The Ministry’s Early Warning, Alert and Response Systems (EWARS) received reports of an increase in Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) and ILI from divisional health centres and sub-divisional hospitals over the last two weeks in the Cakaudrove and Bua health subdivisions, and to a lesser extent, in the Macuata health subdivision.
Respiratory disease is still among the top causes of illness and death in children under five (5) years of age.
As we head into the cooler and drier season, the Ministry expects an increase in respiratory illness while our influenza season is typically in the first few months of the year.
Signs and symptoms of influenza include:
• Sudden onset of fever
• Cough – usually dry and severe and can last up to two (2) weeks or more
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Severe malaise (feeling unwell)
• Sore throat
• Runny nose.
The Ministry urges members of the public to practice good respiratory etiquette when they cough or sneeze, and avoid gatherings where the flu can spread readily.
Those with persisting and severe symptoms should visit the nearest health care facility for appropriate treatment.
