By Emmanuel T. Erediano
Variety News Staff

OVER 30 individuals with a flu-like illness, including two serious cases, have been admitted to the Commonwealth Health Center over the past week, according to Public Health Secretary Joseph Kevin Villagomez.
Thousands of residents received flu shots in December of last year.
Villagomez, in a statement, said a number of patients have tested positive for influenza.
But he said all patients hospitalized with flu are expected to recover fully.
“Clearly, the seasonal influenza virus is currently present in the CNMI,” Villagomez said, as he reminds all residents to take the following precautions for preventing the spread of the disease:
• Get vaccinated each year.
• Avoid close contact. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick, particularly if you have of fever. If possible, stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
• Clean your hands. Washing your hands often helps protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose and mouth.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
Influenza, according to Villagomez, is much like the common cold when it starts, and most people recover quickly. However, certain people may have a hard time recovering from it.