The Ministry of Health is reporting that Influenza viruses including cases of Influenza A(H1N1) have been detected through its surveillance system and continue to circulate among the population.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Winston De La Haye is therefore urging persons to take steps to protect themselves and their families from being infected with these viruses.
“We are now in the flu season when we generally see an increase in the number of influenza cases among the population. Persons therefore have to be extra cautious in terms of preventing themselves from becoming infected and also from transferring infection to others by observing good hygiene practices,” Dr. De La Haye said.
Persons can take 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 is a viral respiratory illness that presents with symptoms including fever, sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache and body aches and fatigue. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also be experienced.
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.
Individuals who wish to obtain more information may call the Ministry of Health or the nearest health centre. Persons may also visit our website at moh.gov.jm and like and follow us on www.facebook.com/themohgovjm; https://twitter.com/themohgovjm; https://instagram.com/themohgovjm.