Malta and Gozo are currently affected by a severe wave of influenza which has created pressure on the health sector, particularly in the Emergency Department at Mater Dei, with an average of over 300 people being treated each day.

The Health Division have already made arrangements with the private sector for 18 elderly persons to be transferred from Mater Dei Hospital into private facilities which have contracts with the Government in the Public Private Partnership Scheme.

The Health Division advises that everyone should take the following precautions to help prevent the spread of flu:

– Avoid crowds in public places, and especially indoors.

– Wash and disinfect often or use hand gel.

– Eating nutritiously – particularly fruits and vegetables.

– Drink plenty of water.

– Dispose of tissues and handkerchiefs carefully to avoid spreading the virus to others.

– In case of illness contact your family doctor or Health Centre as soon as possible.

It is also important that sick children are not sent to school.

The flu must initially be treated by family doctors or Health Centres, who will if necessary issue a certificate for treatment at the Emergency Department.

The Emergency Department will of course give priority to people who have more serious conditions.

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