High Fever: When to Consult a Doctor

Henri-Pierre Mallet, head of the health surveillance bureau at the Agency for the Regulation of Health and Social Action (ARASS), emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention during a recent interview. “A high fever means you need to consult a doctor,” he stated, urging the public not to delay care when symptoms appear.

His remarks come amid an ongoing influenza outbreak in French Polynesia, where health officials have recorded seven flu-related deaths in the past month. Four of those fatalities occurred in hospital settings, according to data provided by Mallet.

The current wave follows an earlier spike at the beginning of the year and has led to increased hospitalizations, particularly among older adults. Mallet noted that individuals over 65 are bearing the brunt of the severe illness, consistent with trends seen in past flu seasons where older populations face higher risks of complications.

In addition to encouraging timely medical consultation, Mallet reiterated the importance of preventive measures. He advised wearing masks, avoiding close contact with vulnerable individuals when sick, covering coughs, and practicing regular hand hygiene—standard barrier gestures known to reduce transmission.

Health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, especially as flu activity remains elevated in certain communities. Public messaging focuses on balancing personal responsibility with community protection, particularly for those most at risk of severe outcomes.

The interview was conducted as part of a local media outreach effort by Outre-mer La 1ère, aiming to spread accurate health information during the seasonal outbreak.