Samoa's Ministry of Health has confirmed that the main virus circulating in the community is Influenza (flu) B which has symptoms similar to  the COVID-19 virus. 

A statement from the health ministry released on Friday afternoon confirmed that the there continues to be a steady increase of influenza-like-illness or 'flu' reported from health facilities since 5 of April, 2023. 

According to the syndromic surveillance data from M.O.H. released on Friday, a total of 1,764 cases of Influenza like illness have been reported to all health facilities in Samoa from 10 April to 16 April.

"Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus and is contagious," the statement from M.O.H. stated. Influenza can cause illness which become severe and sometimes lead to hospitalisation and death. 

"There are four types of Influenza (flu) which are type A, B, C,D. The most common type are A and B- with both confirmed to be circulating in Samoa. Type A influenza is the most common and can be more serious in adults. Type B is confirmed to be more common in children and is more serious in the same young age group. 

"Both influenza type A and B have the potential to be severe in patients who contract these viruses. Symptoms for influenza b flu are similar to COVID-19 and include fever, headache, muscle ache, and upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing and coughing. Many patients also report a loss of smell and tase. 

"Influenza spreads through inhaling droplets from the cough or sneeze of an infected person. Some people may not have any symptoms at all but could still spread the virus (contagious)."

Furthermore, the statement also urged the general public in taking precautionary methods as advised to minimise the wide-spread of the virus in the community. 

"As of today, the Ministry received laboratory confirmation confirming Influenza-B as the main virus circulating in the community. As such, the Ministry of health wishers to strongly advise the general public in taking heed of the notice below and to continue with precautionary methods as advised to greatly minimize the spread of Influenza B virus or 'flu'. 

"People who are most at risk of severe illness or death from the Influenza B are young children, older adults, pregnant women adn people with serious underlying conditions such as lung or heart disease. Health workers are also at high risk given the nature of their employment. 

"Maintain a safe physical distance of at least 1 metre from others, and ensure to have windows open in closed, crowded and close-contact spaces. Wear a face mask at all times, especially in public places and areas where you cannot keep a safe distance from others. In the hospitals, it is compulsory to wear a mask every time before entering- this ensures that you and others are protected. 

"Avoid mass gatherings, change and clean re-useable cloth masks regularly. If using disposable masks, use once and dispose properly of these masks when they become wet, or after wearing masks for 2 to 3 hours in an appropriate rubbish bin. 

"Practice proper hand hygiene regularly by washing hands with soap and clean water or by using sanitizer. Disinfect contaminated surfaces with appropriate cleaning agents and stay home when you are sick."

M.O.H. also advised guardians and parents of school children to keep them at home if they are ill.