The health and wellness ministry, is reminding citizens to take the necessary precautions, during the influenza season, which peaks between December and March.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an acute viral infection that spreads easily through coughing, sneezing and close contact.

Children, healthcare workers, other frontline workers, the elderly with chronic illnesses, and pregnant women, are at particularly high risk.

The flu can cause severe symptoms in children, including diarrhea and seizures, while adults may have pneumonia and blood infections.

More common symptoms include fever or chills, sore throat, cough, as well as runny or stuffy nose.

Director of family health services at the ministry, Dr. Melody Ennis, says the flu can further complicate already existing chronic medical conditions.

She says, persons should practice good hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water, and covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, which will help to prevent the transmission of the virus.