22 Aug 2011

Flu-stricken Samoans urged to stay home

10:32 am on 22 August 2011

Samoa's Ministry of Health has issued a warning about an outbreak of seasonal flu in the country.

Toleafoa Dr Take Naseri says most of those affected are adults with symptoms of Influenza.

Symptoms include fever, coughing, body aches, sore throat and loss of appetite.

As of Friday more than 300 people were treated at the national hospital at Motootua of the flu but Tolaeafoa believes the numbers are much higher.

The Health Ministry is urging people with the flu to stay home.

The outbreak coincides with some unusual weather patterns for Samoa, with vey cold nights and early mornings and very hot days .