The Ministry of Health continues its surveillance and monitoring for cases of Influenza A(H1N1) amidst a reported outbreak of the infection in Trinidad and Tobago.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Marion Bullock DuCasse says as part of the Ministry’s surveillance system samples from public health facilities are routinely sent for testing to the National Influenza Centre which is located at the University Hospital of the West Indies.
“We are now in the flu season so citizens have to be extra careful in terms of preventing themselves from becoming infected and also from transferring infection to others,” Dr. DuCasse said.
Dr. DuCasse is reminding persons to observe good hygiene practices by taking the following precautions:
- Clean hands frequently with soap and water
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
- Control the spread of germs: avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands
- Avoid contact with persons with flu-like symptoms
- Avoid intimate contact including hand shaking and kissing
Influenza A(H1N1) is a respiratory illness that is caused by the Influenza A virus. The symptoms include fever greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache and body aches and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be experienced.