On Sunday, the Department of Health Clinic in Fagaalu was open to take some of the load off the Emergency Room at the LBJ Hospital.
According to patients who were in the ER Saturday and Sunday, people were waiting in the hallway, outside in their cars, and at the bus stop, as there was no space in the ER waiting room.
A doctor at the LBJ Hospital told KHJ News that most of the patients had the flu or dengue fever.
The physician said some of their nurses and doctors are also coming down with the flu, and this has added to longer waiting times in the ER. The doctor said opening the DOH clinics on weekends or after hours would certainly help respond to the high numbers of patients reporting to the Emergency Room.
At present, the Tafuna Health Center has extended hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Schools are reporting that a large number of students have been absent due to the flu.
At Manulele Tausala Elementary, about 30% of the school’s enrollment has missed school because of illness.
And teachers are also catching the bug.
A school official said that every day they send a good number of students home because they are coughing, vomiting, or feverish. She said some students are out of class for one to two weeks.
The Department of Health is urging the community to take immediate precautions, “as we are seeing a significant increase in Flu A cases across the territory.”
To help protect yourself and your family, DOH strongly encourages frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, wearing a mask if you have flu-like symptoms, and keeping up to date with flu vaccinations. Individuals with mild to moderate symptoms are advised to seek care at their nearest community health center to avoid unnecessary strain on the LBJ Hospital Emergency Room, ensuring that critical services remain available for those with severe illness.
Parents are reminded to keep sick children home from school and daycare, and all residents are encouraged to practice good respiratory hygiene and maintain clean, well-ventilated spaces.
“Together, we can help slow the spread of influenza and protect our most vulnerable community members.”
