CHCC warns of increased number of flu-like illnesses

The Commonwealth Healthcare Corp. issued a health advisory last Friday to alert the public to a spike in the number flu-like illnesses in the community.
In the advisory, CHCC said that its surveillance data shows an increased number of flu cases during the month of December 2018.
It warned that flu activity is widespread in most of the islands at this time of the year, and is more pronounced after the occurrence of Super Typhoon Yutu. It predicts the high levels of flu activity to continue for several more weeks.
Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious viral disease. It is primarily spread by person to person contact via coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, chills, and body aches.

Preventing flu
• Get vaccinated.
A yearly flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. It is not too late to get a flu shot for yourself and for your loved ones.
Vaccination is especially important for protecting those at high risk for serious flu complications, including: young children, pregnant women, adults 65 years and older, and anyone with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.

• Stop the spread: W.A.T.C.H. IT
– Wash your hands
– Avoid sick people & Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth
– Teach others how to prevent the flu
– Cover your cough or sneeze

Have an emergency plan ready in case you get sick

• Contact your healthcare provider
People who are at high risk of developing serious flu complications when they get the flu: the very young, the very old, pregnant women, and those with underlying illnesses like heart conditions and respiratory lung problems.

People who are very sick with flu symptoms like shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, chest pain, very high and persistent fevers, and ear ache. These are signs that should lead parents or the individuals to go see their doctor. The doctor may then prescribe medications to treat the flu.

Take medication(s) as recommended by your doctor to treat the flu.

If you are already sick with the flu, please contact your doctor for advice before visiting the clinic – this is to prevent and avoid exposure and spread of the disease. By doing this, you will help avoid exposing other people at the clinics.

For more information, contact CHCC Division of Public Health Services, Immunization Program at (670) 236-8745. (PR)