Life
Barbados confirms 4 cases of H1N1
“Keep disposable tissue handy, so that you can cover your nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing, or use your elbow. Used tissue should be discarded in a covered garbage can or placed in a plastic bag. Frequent and proper hand washing is essential and we should avoid touching our eyes, nose or mouth as germs can enter our body this way.”
She advised those persons who may be exhibiting flu-like symptoms, such as fever, coughing and sore throat, to avoid being out in public and to stay away from work or school until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication.
Dr. Ferdinand said if the symptoms persist and worsen, these persons should go to their doctor or polyclinic.
The acting Chief Medical Officer stressed that sick children “must not be sent to day care”, adding that where higher risk categories are concerned – pregnant persons, children under 5 years of age, persons over 65 years of age, and those with chronic medical conditions, including asthma and other lung conditions, sickle cell anemia, heart disease, diabetes, and any other condition which may weaken the immune system –should seek medical attention at the onset of the symptoms.
Influenza A H1N1 is caused by a virus that was first brought to the attention of the global community in 2009. The Caribbean Public Health Agency recently reported that the H1N1 virus is the most commonly identified influenza virus circulating in the Caribbean region. -(CMC)
