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Medics warn on mumps, flu virus
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=47990
http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=47990
THE current virus outbreak is viral in origin and antibiotics such as amoxycillin are for bacterial infections, says Doctor Lepani Waqatakirewa.
In a statement reacting to the current outbreak of mumps among children, Dr Waqatakirewa said virus and bacteria were different and giving antibiotics for viral infection was a waste of medicine.
Some parents showed concern that their children with virus-related infectious were, in fact, given antibiotics.
"However, do note that in some children, there could be co-existing bacterial infection in the chest or elsewhere in the body. In such cases, antibiotics, such as amoxycillin could be prescribed,"the Health Ministry CEO said.
When The Fiji Times visited the Valelevu Health Centre, there were lots of children waiting to be examined for flu-related sickness.
Parent and New Town resident Akuila Dranivotua said his daughter and wife were suffering from high fever, body pain and cough.
General practitioner Doctor Neil Sharma said there was an outbreak of mumps for children and they should be dressed warm all the time.
He said this was one of the viruses affecting children during this season.
However, some cases of typhoid fever and dengue were detected in the Northern and Western divisions last month.
In a statement reacting to the current outbreak of mumps among children, Dr Waqatakirewa said virus and bacteria were different and giving antibiotics for viral infection was a waste of medicine.
Some parents showed concern that their children with virus-related infectious were, in fact, given antibiotics.
"However, do note that in some children, there could be co-existing bacterial infection in the chest or elsewhere in the body. In such cases, antibiotics, such as amoxycillin could be prescribed,"the Health Ministry CEO said.
When The Fiji Times visited the Valelevu Health Centre, there were lots of children waiting to be examined for flu-related sickness.
Parent and New Town resident Akuila Dranivotua said his daughter and wife were suffering from high fever, body pain and cough.
General practitioner Doctor Neil Sharma said there was an outbreak of mumps for children and they should be dressed warm all the time.
He said this was one of the viruses affecting children during this season.
However, some cases of typhoid fever and dengue were detected in the Northern and Western divisions last month.