AN influenza-like illness is sweeping across Fiji where health facilities have reported a surge in acute respiratory infections.
Fijians have been warned to improve personal hygiene practices in an effort to stop the infection.
Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu urged people to rest, drink lots of water, and go to their nearest health centre if they felt ill.
The virus is similar to Influenza types A and B and symptoms include cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and loss of smell with or without fever.
Other symptoms include headache, eye pain, generalised body pain, and chills.
“Since it’s viral, people may want to improve on hygiene practices, masks and washing, and all the little things that do contribute to the prevention of spreading of the disease,” Lalabalavu told the Fiji Sun newspaper.
Health officials recommend wearing masks and regular hand washing or sanitising if they continue to work.
A soothing remedy for cough includes mixing one teaspoon of ginger, one teaspoon of lemon, and one tablespoon of honey in a mug of hot water.
Steam inhalation is recommended for nasal congestion and chesty cough, while regular Paracetamol can help manage fever.