Flu Like Bug Spreading Like Wildfire

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Schools and workplaces are reporting high absenteeism because of the flu like disease which seems to be spreading like wildfire in the territory.

No statistics are available on the number of patients seen at the hospital and community health centers with symptoms of the flu like condition like a fever, dry cough,  body ache and runny nose.

Medical Director at the Department of Health, Tamasoalii Dr. Joseph Tufa says they have sent samples off island to determine the sub type of the flu that’s currently spreading in the territory.

He stressed that those affected with the flu can help stop it from spreading so it doesn’t become an epidemic.

School administrators have visible evidence of the fast spread of the flu in schools.

At Coleman Elementary School in Pago Pago, a steady 20 plus students are absent because they are down with the flu.

And teachers are sending children home when they catch the flu at school.

Counselors Lolita Puletasi and Usuia Finau say they had to call parents to come and take home their children who became ill at school.

They said some parents are sending their sick children to school and this is spreading the flu on campus.

Several staff members who also have the flu are still turning up to work,

Leone Midkiff Counselor, Rivera Vivao says since the Flag Day week, 30 students have been out sick.

And staff who got the bug are just now returning to work.

Vice Principal of Lupelele Elementary Moi Kapisi said the flu bug that’s going around is not affecting too many of their students.

He says only 6 students are out sick with the flu, which is nothing compared to the chuikungunya outbreak.

Private schools South Pacific Academy and Manumalo Baptist which have fewer class sizes say they don’t have too many students out sick with the flu.  SPA says their parents don’t have to be told to keep their kids home when they are sick.

Dr. Tufa advises those afflicted by the flu like disease to drink lots of liquid, rest at home, sanitize and  wash hands regularly.

 

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