PRESS RELEASE NO.: 2019-020

Widespread Flu Activity

The Department of Public Health and Social Services (DPHSS) encourages residents to protect themselves and their loved ones during the flu season. Flu is a highly contagious viral disease. It is primarily spread by person to person contact via coughing or sneezing. Flu symptoms include: cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, fever, chills, and body aches.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks flu cases every week. After increased numbers of flu cases are seen for several weeks, flu season is said to have started.

Increases in flu activity show that the 2018-2019 influenza season has started across the U.S.  The CDC's most recent FluView report is available at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/#S4 .

On Guam, data shows an increased number of flu cases during the month of December 2018 with 169 flu cases reported in the first 3 weeks of the month. Last year, Guam's flu season began earlier in September 2017 with 169 cases. This means that Guam is now having widespread flu activity.

Residents of Guam should be aware of ways to prevent the spread of influenza as well as protect themselves and their families.

Flu prevention tips:

1. Get vaccinated. 
   • A yearly flu shot is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. It is not too late to get a flu shot for yourself and for your loved ones.
   • Vaccination is especially important for protecting those at high risk for serious flu complications, including: young children, pregnant women, adults 65 years and older, and anyone with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease.
2. Stop the spread.
   • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   • Stay home when you are sick.
   • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.
   • Wash your hands often.
   • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

1. Take medicine.
   • CDC recommends prompt treatment with flu antiviral medications for:
     • People who are at high risk of developing serious flu complications when they get the flu: the very young, the very old, the pregnant women, and those with underlying illnesses like heart conditions and lung problems.
     • People who are very sick with flu symptoms like shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, chest pain, very high and persistent fevers, and ear pain.  Those are the things that should lead parents or the individual to go see their doctor where they may be prescribed antiviral medications.
   • Use medication as recommended by your doctor to treat the flu.

All health care providers are urged to review and update the immunization status of all patients they see. If vaccination is contraindicated because of illness, a follow-up appointment should be scheduled to update vaccination as soon as the illness is over.

For more information, please call your primary health care provider or the DPHSS Immunization Program at 735-7143.

Press Release No.: 2019-019

Deadline Extended: Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Cancer Awards Nominations

The Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition (CCC), in partnership with the Department of Public Health and Social Services is seeking nominations from the community for the Cancer Coalition’s Remi H. Pangan† Spirit of Life Award and the Spirit of Collaboration Award.  Nominees do not have to be members of the CCC Coalition.

The Remi H. Pangan† Spirit of Life Award is presented to a cancer survivor, caregiver, or other individual for his/her encouragement in fighting cancer, dedication to promoting public awareness of cancer survivorship issues and improving the quality of life for cancer survivors, caregivers, and their families. 

The Spirit of Collaboration Award is presented to organizations that demonstrate exemplary collaborative efforts in the fight against cancer.  Collaboration is defined as the act of working together to achieve a particular goal or objective.  Collaboration can occur within one organization (between two or more programs or services) or it can be between two or more different organizations. 

For copies of the application forms, please contact Mr. Lawrence Alam at 735-7335 or at lawrence.alam@dphss.guam.gov or Ms. Vivian Pareja at 735-0670 or at vivian.pareja@dphss.guam.gov.

Application forms can also be downloaded at the:

• Guam Comprehensive Cancer Control Facebook Page at http://www.facebook.com/GuamCCC
• Department of Public Health and Social Services website at http://www.dphss.guam.gov/
• Directly click the link here: 2018 GCCC Application Forms

The deadline to submit completed nomination forms to Mr. Lawrence Alam at lawrence.alam@dphss.guam.gov has been extended until Friday, December 28, 2018 at 5:00 pm.

                                                                                                                JAMES W. GILLAN

                                                                                                                Acting Director