Be proactive, reduce the risk of getting the flu – CARPHA | New

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago:

The Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) urges people to adopt good personal hygiene to reduce the risk of transmission of the influenza virus and other respiratory viruses.

Influenza is a contagious respiratory disease caused primarily by two types of viruses: influenza A and influenza B. The influenza A (H1N1) virus caused a pandemic in 2009. Although it's called often "swine flu", this name is misleading. because it is not spread by contact with pigs or pork products.

Influenza A (H1N1) is a virus that continues to circulate around the world, including in the Caribbean. In general, the influenza season in the region occurs between September and March, as the number of people infected with the virus increases.

The flu is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, cough (usually dry), headache, muscle and joint pain, severe discomfort (sensation malaise), sore throat and runny nose. Most people recover from these symptoms within a week without needing medical attention, but the flu can cause serious illness or death in high-risk individuals.

Dr. C. James Hospedales, executive director of CARPHA, explained that the main form of influenza transmission was interpersonal contact. He added that major social events such as carnival, festivals and concerts can create serious public health problems, as people are often crammed together, sharing their personal space and common spaces.

Protect the loved ones

Given the high influenza activity in the northern hemisphere and the peak travel season in the Caribbean, it is important that people take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from the flu.

CARPHA urges people to take proactive measures to reduce the risk of transmission of influenza and other respiratory viruses. Good hygiene measures that people can take include:

Cover your mouth with a tissue or handkerchief or use your elbow to sneeze or cough.

Safe disposal of used tissues.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after coughing and sneezing and before and after meal preparation, eating, and use of the toilet. Alternatively, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid contact with others by staying at home if you are sick.

Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent the disease. Safe and effective vaccines have been available and used for more than 60 years. Vaccination is particularly important for health workers and people at high risk for serious complications of influenza such as very young pregnant women, pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic diseases, as well as for people who live with or take care of high-risk people.