BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
GIZO Hospital has been inundated with patients seeking medical attention as a viral flu continues to spread across Gizo, causing concern among families and health workers.
Over the past few days, the hospital’s outpatient department has been crowded with patients, most of them children, presenting symptoms such as persistent coughing, fever, fatigue and difficulty in breathing.
Parents and caregivers were seen waiting patiently with their children for their turn to be attended to by nurses and doctors on duty.
Speaking to Island Sun, a nurse at Gizo Hospital confirmed that a flu-like infection is currently circulating in the township and surrounding communities.
The nurse said the hospital first recorded cases of the viral flu a few weeks ago and has since been closely monitoring the situation.
“There is a flu that is going viral in Gizo at the moment. It is not fatal, but children are the most vulnerable to this infection,” said the nurse.
The nurse explained that the flu commonly presents with fever, body pain, extreme tiredness and nonstop coughing, which in some cases leads to breathing difficulties, especially among young children and the elderly.
Health workers have noted an increase in daily attendance at the outpatient clinic, placing added pressure on hospital staff and medical supplies.
Despite this, the nurse assures that the situation is under control and that patients are receiving appropriate care and treatment.
The nurse urges parents and guardians to take extra precautions to protect their children from contracting the flu.
The nurse advises keeping children away from crowded places where possible, ensuring good personal hygiene, and seeking medical attention early if symptoms worsen.
“Parents should closely monitor their children and bring them to the hospital if they notice persistent fever, breathing difficulties or continuous coughing,” the nurse said.
Gizo Hospital continues to encourage the public to remain calm while observing preventive measures to reduce the spread of the viral flu within the community.
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