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The Ministry of Health yesterday reminded the public that the country was still on the influenza alert status announced by Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton in Parliament in February.
At the same time, the ministry confirmed that deaths related to influenza, including the H1N1 virus, had resulted in deaths, and reminded the public to "pay attention to the daily reminders of print, electronic and social media and the And encourage all stakeholders to comply with it. practice and apply all protocols relating to the wording of hand washing, sneezing and coughing and the use of public spaces and facilities.
The ministry responded to growing concerns about the spread of the flu and, in particular, a call by retired tape recorder Allan Magnus for more information after his wife, Kerry, succumbed to the H1N1 flu virus, two weeks ago.
On February 12, Tufton announced in the House that the health authorities had noted a significant increase in the number of cases of fever and respiratory or flu-like illness.
He added that, in anticipation of the influenza season, 21,900 doses of influenza vaccine were purchased by the Ministry of Health through the Vaccine Revolving Fund of the Pan American Health Organization and the Ministry of Health. distributed to the Departments of Parish Health at the end of October 2018. also indicated that vaccination of target groups had started in November 2018.
The vaccine, he said, is available free of charge in the public health system to the following high-priority groups:
• workers in the field of health;
• children and the elderly with chronic diseases;
• Pregnant women;
• persons placed in institutions or placed in state centers; and
• Front-line workers other than health workers.
Tufton also encouraged private health care providers to obtain the influenza vaccine from private distributors to meet the needs of the general population.
A few days later, in a speech delivered at the launch of the compbadionate care program of the Ministry of Health in Montego Bay, Tufton noted that the H1N1 flu virus was the main virus in question and that the authorities had noted that many diseases of the upper respiratory tract. "We must not take it lightly," he said.
"We have enough vaccines to treat front-line workers, vulnerable groups, young people, the elderly and others," he added.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Health pointed out that the H1N1 virus (pandemic strain 09) has been circulating on the island since 2009 and that cases have been identified every year since, except in 2015.
"This virus is very likely to cause epidemics and pandemics. Therefore, everything must be done to prevent its spread by adhering to a strict hygiene protocol, by vaccinating high-risk people and by calling on a doctor in case of illness, so that the treatment can begin . as soon as possible. Although the majority of cases are mild, all influenza viruses are potentially responsible for serious illnesses, "the ministry said.
He added that he had already stepped up his public awareness campaign and put in place stronger infection control measures in hospitals and public health facilities.
"In addition, all clinicians were made aware of the treatment and care protocol for members of the public with influenza-like symptoms," the ministry said.
The ministry also said it had "increased drug inventories in hospitals and health facilities [any] increase in the number of people hospitalized ". In addition, extended hours in health centers were continued and expanded to provide access to at-risk populations for the elderly and children under five years of age.
The ministry reiterated that influenza should be taken seriously because it could lead to pneumonia and blood infections, as well as diarrhea and convulsions in children. "The flu can also aggravate chronic health problems such as heart or lung disease. People most at risk for the dangerous complications of the flu are infants and young children, adults aged 60 and over, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases or whose immune systems are weakened, "said the ministry. .
H1N1 influenza A is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza A type H1N1. This is one of the many viruses that cause seasonal influenza on the island every year.
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