According to Maria Henry from the PHD, there is no need for panic as the severity of the virus is moderate. The decision taken by the WHO on Thursday was done in close consultation with leading influenza experts.
The weekly physician base syndromic reporting surveillance system has not reported anything out of the ordinary in relation to influenza (the common cold/flu).
The overwhelming majority of patients according to the WHO has experienced mild symptoms and has made a rapid and full recovery, often in absence of any form of medical treatment. Worldwide, the number of deaths is small.
The upgrade from phase 5 to 6 was done due to the geographical spread of the disease. The spread of the virus is being closely monitored. As of Thursday there were close to 30,000 confirmed cases reported in 74 countries.
Based on the upgrade in phase, the PHD says that it is necessary for residents to continue to follow the recommended high standards of personal hygiene and that there is no need for panic.
At this moment, there are no cases of the Influenza A (H1N1) virus on the island. According to PHD, even though the severity of the aforementioned virus has abated from its original onset, it is imperative that persons continue to practice high standards of hygiene.
High standards of personal hygiene entail covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and washing your hand frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with respiratory secretions (e.g., after sneezing and coughing).
Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. Try to avoid contact with sick people.
The symptoms of Influenza A (H1N1) flu virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the virus.
Persons who have flu-like-illness should remain at home and contact their family physician via telephone who will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed.
Persons who have traveled in the preceding seven days to affected countries should seek immediate medical attention once they develop influenza-like symptoms. You are advised to stay at home and contact your family physician. This will help minimize the risk of infecting those around them, especially people who are at a higher risk of severe illness and complications of influenza.
Members of the public are advised to exercise caution over travel to affected areas. In the event that travel is unavoidable, the public is advised to take precautionary measures such as avoiding crowded areas and maintaining high standards of personal hygiene at all times.
Most cases of influenza A (H1N1) so far reported around the world appear to be mild. There is currently no vaccine for the new strain of flu but severe cases can be treated with antiviral medication.
The PHD has requested physicians to be on alert and to report any suspected cases so that the necessary steps can be activated. The PHD is also reminding persons to execute the necessary preventive measures at all times.
Persons seeking additional information should contact PHP at telephone numbers: 542-3003 or 542-3553 or visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/swineflu or www.who.int. for more information on Influenza A(H1N1) virus also referred to as swine flu.
