Tufton: We have more than enough flu medicine | Stories of lead

The Minister of Health, Dr. Christopher Tufton, said that there were enough drugs to treat cases of influenza A (H1N1) and other influenza viruses on the island.

Talk with The gleaner Last night, Tufton said that the strong strain of the virus that currently circulates, not to be confused with swine flu, has been around since 2009. According to Tufton, since then, the number of suspected and confirmed cases fluctuates each year. but the department has seen an increase since the beginning of this influenza season.

Tufton said that there was no need to panic because measures are in place to fix the problem.

"As far as I know, there is more than enough medicine. We received more doses of vaccine than we had in previous years. That's what happened in the last few seasons, when we ran out and we had to get extra doses. We are always learning, so I do not want to sound like we have everything under control. Whenever we can do something else as we go, we will do it and keep an open mind, "he said. The gleaner.

Noting that he had previously stated that the influenza A (H1N1) virus was affecting the country, he warned that forwarding messages about specific strains could cause people to miss crucial information about fighting the flu .

"If you engage in very complex conversations about different types, you run the risk of confusing the message. What we are seeing now is not a new strain. This has existed since 2009. We have created the alert, announced the alert, reported the symptoms, advised the most vulnerable people to get vaccinated if necessary and, of course, [asked] those affected by the symptoms should consult a doctor. These are daily reminders on TV.

"You never want to be complacent when you have these problems, so all the necessary precautions must be taken, first, with the public education, which we have done a lot and continue to do; second, to prepare medical and public health institutions to respond, which corresponded to the extended opening hours announced in specific institutions earlier this year; and thirdly, to what extent the situation improves or worsens, or otherwise. "

The minister offered props to public health officials across the country who, he said, responded well to the challenge.

"In all fairness to the country's public health officials, they have risen to the challenge of this flu season."

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