Department of Health statement on the current increase in Respiratory Infections across the Maltese Islands

It is not uncommon to have an increase in the number of cases of respiratory infections during this time of the year. Apart from being the time of year when causative viruses are circulating, it is also a time when people tend to go out more and gather in confined places to celebrate the season's festivities. This creates the ideal circumstances for transmission of viruses and therefore for more and more people to fall ill. Unfortunately, a number of infected people tend to attend these activities and hence provide an endless source of infective organisms.

From the annual monitoring carried out by the Department of Primary Health Care, one cannot say that the increase in morbidity has reached epidemic proportions. Compared to last year, the incidence is not as high but the onset of the rise occurred about two weeks earlier. However it is still early to say that the peak has been reached and close monitoring will continue over the coming days.

Data from St. Luke's Hospital indicates an increase in the number of hospital admissions which started gaining momentum in the last week of 1998.

People who have received the influenza vaccine given in September – October 1998 have a degree of protection against the illness. For those who were not vaccinated, it is now too late to receive the vaccination. One can only avoid the illness by keeping away from infected persons and avoiding as much as possible confined places.

Standard symptomatic treatment for fever includes tepid sponging using facecloths and water at body temperature (not cold water). Patients should step up their intake of warm fluids and avoid exposure to cold, dampness, or confined spaces. Paracetamol is also suggested for management of fever. Antibiotics are not routinely indicated. Cough suppressants are also not recommended. Persons with pre-existing disease should consult their doctors early to avert serious complications.