Jamaicans reminded to take precautions against influenza

With Jamaica in the peak period for influenza, persons are being encouraged to take extra precautions and adhere to established health protocols to prevent infection.

Influenza, commonly referred to as the 'flu', is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from one individual to another through coughing, sneezing or close contact.

Flu activity in Jamaica often begins to increase from October to November, followed by a peak between December and March, and can last as late as May.

Addressing the recent monthly meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr Sharon Lewis, noted that “this is the time when we see a seasonal increase in the number of cases.”

“So, everyone is encouraged to observe proper hand hygiene, proper coughing etiquette, and if you are ill, avoid public spaces in order to reduce spread of the virus,” she said.

Persons are advised to clean hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser; avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth; cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or a mask (not a hand) when coughing or sneezing, and properly dispose of the used tissue; cough or sneeze into the sleeve or elbow rather than the hand; and to avoid close contact with sick people.

Taking the flu vaccine is also recommended. The Ministry of Health and Wellness has made the vaccine available to members of the public free of cost.

Private healthcare providers are encouraged to procure the influenza vaccine through private distributors.

Lewis further urged persons to wear protective masks when visiting health facilities.

She said that the masks not only help to lessen the risk of contracting the flu, but also COVID-19, which is now at the endemic stage in Jamaica, meaning that the disease will remain in the population with seasonal peaks.

The Portland Medical Officer of Health also reported an increase in cases of gastroenteritis, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting.

The virus is contagious and is common in the region beginning in the fall and winter months. It is typically spread through the sharing of food or drink with someone who is infected, or sharing other personal items, such as utensils or towels.

Giving an update on dengue in the parish, Lewis reported a 64 per cent reduction in cases of infection for November. In October, 264 suspected cases of dengue were reported in Portland.

“We are happy that we are seeing the positive impact of the dengue fever reduction strategies,” she said, lauding the efforts of the vector control workers.

She urged persons to continue to practise measures to reduce the mosquito population such as covering water storage containers and cutting grass regularly as the adult mosquitoes like to hide in high grass.

- JIS News

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