The Samoa Ministry of Health has issued an advisory on the rapid spread of the common flu, as medical clinics around the country experience a sharp increase of the seasonal influenza.
The ministry warns that the influenza virus is easily spread from one person to another, especially in crowded places.
The symptoms for the virus include fever, runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, headache, joint pains and fatigue.
The ministry said, it has seen “a very large surge” of cases since the month of June 2022, compared to the last two years.
It warns that while most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without medical attention, influenza can cause severe illness or death particularly among high risk groups like young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with serious medical conditions.
People showing symptoms are advised to take hygienic measures to stop the spread of the virus and to also keep away from crowded places like work, schools, and other public gatherings.
“Infectious droplets are dispersed into the air and can infect persons in range who breathe these droplets in.”
The public are encouraged to continue wearing masks and maintain social distancing, especially in public places.
Parents have also been urged to keep children at home until they have fully recovered.
Paracetamol is recommended for headaches, fever or joint pains, and cough mixtures are advisable for persistent dry cough.
