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Flu-like illnesses on the rise on Tinian
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Posted on Jun 04 2019
The Commonwealth Health Care Corp. is seeing a “sharp increase” in flu-like illnesses on Tinian and advises the public to get vaccinated.
Citing its own surveillance data, CHCC said in a statement yesterday that it has observed “a sharp increase in influenza-like illnesses occurring on Tinian in the past several weeks.”
“Influenza [or the flu] is a highly contagious viral disease. It is primarily spread by person-to-person contact through coughing or sneezing,” the CHCC statement added.
Symptoms of the disease include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, chills, and body aches.
CHCC recommends a yearly flu shot for those who are six months or older.
“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,” the CHCC statement added.
“Worsening conditions like shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, chest pain, very high and persistent fevers, and ear aches are signs that you should go see your doctor. The doctor may then prescribe medications to treat the flu.”
CHCC did not disclose any specific data pertaining to the numbers on Tinian or on the other islands.
For more information, contact the Tinian Health Clinic, or THC, Immunization Program at (670) 433-9233.
For more information on THC programs and services, call (670) 433-9263.
Follow CHCC’s Facebook and Twitter at @cnmichcc, check out their website at www.chcc.gov.mp, or call them at (670) 234-8950 for more information about CHCC programs.
