Trinidad Ministry of Health tackles influenza
In Trinidad and Tobago, health authorities have embarked on a major influenza vaccination drive
The robust, nationwide Influenza Vaccination Drive for the 2020 Flu Season (October 2019 to May 2020) has been implemented to protect the population against the flu.
Children and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes should be among those being inoculated
This is in the context of the number of suspected cases for this flu season having reached 2,738, with 24 confirmed deaths. Additional figures revealed by the Ministry of Health are that 24,797 vaccines have been administered to the public for this flu season and the total number of suspected cases for the year is 2,919.
The Ministry of Health pointed out that the influenza virus is serious and tends to be more severe than the common cold. The vaccine is available, at no cost, at all health centres.
The Ministry of Health stated that children and people with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes should be among those being inoculated, along with pregnant women, the elderly and people with chronic respiratory illnesses such as asthma. In addition, people in the healthcare workforce and essential services are also encouraged to be vaccinated.
In its weekly flu update, the Ministry of Health said that members of the public are advised to contact their nearest health centre to confirm the dates and times that vaccines are distributed.
In addition, it said that people should take necessary personal health precautions in order to protect themselves and their families from the flu and other diseases. Such precautions are: washing hands often with soap and water, and if soap and water are not available, using an alcohol-based hand rub; avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs; cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs; avoiding close contact with sick people where possible and, if sick, limiting contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them; and covering the nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, as well as throwing tissues in the bin and washing hands thoroughly after use.