Following an increase in influenza cases, Health Minister Dr Ratu Atonio Lalabalavu says benzathine injections will not be effective in treating influenza because the illness is caused by a virus, while benzathine is used to treat bacterial infections.
Dr Lalabalavu made the comments after well-known doctor Rajesh Maharaj raised concerns about the misuse of benzathine and other antibiotics during Fiji’s current influenza outbreak.
Dr Maharaj says over the years he has seen a pattern during viral outbreaks, including dengue, where patients request antibiotics and some doctors prescribe them for flu-like illnesses.
He says antibiotics such as amoxicillin and benzathine are commonly used in Fiji, but this is not the correct approach.
Dr Maharaj says it is not the patient who should decide whether an antibiotic or injection is needed, but the doctor.
Responding to the concerns, Dr Lalabalavu says benzathine will not have any effect on influenza because it does not treat viral infections.
He says people should focus on proper care, including rest, staying hydrated and allowing the body time to recover.
The Minister is also urging people who are sick to stay home, saying they can easily spread the illness to their co-workers if they continue going to work while unwell.
