SIXTEEN people have died of influenza, the Ministry of Health has confirmed.
In a release on Monday, it noted that there were 2,738 suspected influenza cases for this flu season while 16,301 persons have been vaccinated. These figures were as off last Friday.
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It stated, “The Ministry of Health is currently engaged in a robust, nation-wide Influenza Vaccination Drive for the 2020 Flu Season (October 2019 to May 2020). This campaign has been implemented to protect the population against the Influenza (Flu) Virus.”
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The release stated, “The Influenza virus is serious and is generally more severe than the common cold. The flu vaccine is available, at no cost, at all health centres.”
It noted that people in the following groups were particularly vulnerable to the virus and were urged to get the flu vaccine:
- Children aged 6 months to 5 years;
- Pregnant women;
- Adults over 65;
- People with chronic medical conditions (such as Diabetes Mellitus);
- People with chronic respiratory illnesses (such as Asthma).
“Persons in the health care workforce and essential services are also encouraged to get the flu vaccine.
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“Members of the public are advised to contact their nearest health centre to confirm the dates and times that vaccines are distributed,” the release stated.
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The Ministry advises the following personal health precautions:
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub;
- Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way;
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs;
- Where possible, avoid close contact with sick people;
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them;
- Cover the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. After using a tissue, throw it in the bin and wash hands thoroughly.
