The general public has been advised of the rapid spread of the seasonal influenza or the "common flu" with both public and private health outlets reporting increases in cases. 

The Ministry of Health (M.O.H.) on Tuesday afternoon issued a public statement, informing the country of the rampant spread of the common flu and what to do to prevent the virus from spreading. 

"These viruses are easily spread from one person to another with expected symptoms such as the onset fever, runny nose, dry cough, sore throat, headache, muscle joint pain and general feeling of un-wellness or fatigue," the M.O.H. notice reads. 

"Since the month of June 2022, the Ministry of Health has seen a very large surge of cases presenting with symptoms of the common flu, with a noticeable increased compared to the previous two years. 

"The general public is reminded that the 'flu' spread very easily, with rapid transmission in crowded areas such as schools, workplaces and other public places such as supermarkets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

"Infectious droplets are dispersed into the air and can infect persons in range who breathe these droplets in."

According to the Ministry, other symptoms of the common flu such as a dry cough can be severe and can last two or more weeks. 

Most people recover from fever and other symptoms within a week without requiring antibiotics or medical attention. 

However, the M.O.H. says the general public is also reminded that these symptoms can cause severe illness or death particularly among high risk groups such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with serious medical conditions.

As part of preventive measures, the Ministry has appealed to the public to carry out hygiene etiquette, by covering their mouth and nose with a clean tissue when coughing or sneezing and disposing used tissue in a proper bin. 

"Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Regular hand washing with a soap and clean water or with a hand sanitiser," said the M.O.H. notice. 

"Stay home if your are feeling unwell, feverish and have other symptoms of the flu. Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or niu and eating well. 

"Avoid close contact with sick people, wear proper fitting face-mask if you are in the same room as others or when you leave the house. 

"Take oral Paracetamol (Panadol) if you have headache, fever or joint pain. Please contact medical doctor for the appropriate Paracetamol dosage for children. 

"A cough mixture (cough suppressant) is advisable for persistent dry cough. Note that these items are also available over the counter at your nearest private pharmacy. 

"The Ministry of Health encourages the public to continue masking and maintain social distancing at all times, especially when in public places."

As for school-aged students, the M.O.H. has urged parents to keep the children at home until they recover if they contract the virus. 

The public notice issued by the Ministry was signed by the Acting Director General, Dr. Atoa Glenn Fatupaito. 

This is a developing story......