Health

Flu surge, a symptom of climate change says Health Minister

March 20, 2019 4:55 pm

Health Minister, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete

The recent surge in flu and acute febrile illness cases is being linked to climate change.

Health Minister, Dr. Ifereimi Waqainabete says the unusually wet season has led to a prevalence of this bout of flu that continues to affect Fijians with an outbreak recorded last week in the Northern Division.

Dr. Waqainabete says while medical personnel have been overwhelmed in some instances dealing with the surge in patient numbers, another concern is the medication to treat the flu.

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“With the flu which is predominate, the acute febrile illness or the flu which is predominately a viral illness. The virus as it keeps on changing their molecular biology, they keep on changing themselves, so there are not particular antibiotic cause antibiotics we use for bacteria.”

The Health Minister is urging Fijians that the prevention of the flu is the best measure.

He adds it’s important to ensure that as soon as you start experiencing symptoms of fever, body ache and headaches – contact your nearest Medical Centre to get treatment as so as possible.