I am continuing to share information on several health concerns that are affecting the island at the moment. The Ministry of Health is doing a very good job at informing the public. Here is their press release dated March 1 with a focus on those at high risk of H1N1. We have had a second death, on February 23, due to the illness (sometimes called “swine flu”) – that of a 49-year-old woman who had “other complicating illnesses”. Please, let’s be health conscious!
Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Winston De La Haye is urging persons especially those in the high risk group for severe symptoms to take steps to prevent infection as the Ministry continues to record cases of influenza.
Persons in the high risk group include children under five years old, pregnant women, the elderly, persons with non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, asthma and those with a compromised immune system.
There have been ten (10) confirmed cases of Influenza A (H1N1) since the start of the year including two Influenza A(H1N1) associated deaths the latest in a patient with another severe and life threatening illness as in the previous case.
Dr. De Lahttp://moh.gov.jm Haye said “persons in the high risk group are at a greater risk of being severely affected if they get the flu virus. These persons therefore need to be extra cautious by observing proper hygiene practices and taking other measures to prevent infection.”
He says everyone should take the following precautions:
Clean your hands frequently with soap and water
Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing
Control the spread of germ – avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with dirty hands
Avoid contact with persons with flu-like symptoms
And avoid intimate contact including hand shaking and kissing especially with persons who have flu-like symptoms.
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. Influenza viruses are mainly spread from person to person through droplets produced while coughing or sneezing or by persons touching surfaces contaminated with droplets.
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 http://moh.gov.jm and like and follow us on http://www.facebook.com/themohgovjm; ; https://instagram.com/themohgovjm.
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