Bajans urged to take preventive measures against swirling viruses

Barbadians are being advised to safeguard themselves during the festive season amid a notable increase in healthcare visits for a “cocktail” of viral infections.

Dr Kenneth Connell, public relations officer of the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP), made that appeal as several healthcare providers and pharmacies report that more people are seeking treatment and medication for respiratory, seasonal, and gastrointestinal complaints.

Three years after a COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed the lives of nearly 650 people among more than 110 000 sickened by the virus in Barbados, the medical practitioner was urging caution against a typical surge of winter viruses which usually lends to the rise in influenza and other respiratory viruses.

“Every season, every winter season, and as a tourist destination by default we have winter season, winter viruses peak,” Dr Connell told Barbados TODAY. “This means that viruses such as influenza viruses and other respiratory viruses are increased. This year, to add to the mix, we have what is slowly becoming a seasonal COVID-19 with a new variant. On top of that, there is Respiratory Syncytial Virus which is a virus that probably affects kids and children more than adults but can affect adults, especially those that are vulnerable. So you have this cocktail of viruses occurring and that’s not new.”

He also pointed to the heightened risk of severe illness due to the convergence of winter viruses with a vulnerable population, particularly individuals over 65 and those with underlying medical conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cancers, and obesity.

Dr Connell noted that while the new JN.1 variant of COVID-19 might not pose a significant threat to the general population, it greatly affects those with pre-existing health conditions, potentially leading to acute and severe health complications.

“So this is the perfect storm where you have winter viruses with a vulnerable population who are at risk of getting very sick from infections that would normally only knock us off for about a week,” he noted.

The BAMP spokesman noted, though cautiously, that “we should not be overly concerned at present with the new COVID-19 variant”.

“I would caution to say that this is for the normal population because people who are vulnerable, even with the seasonal flu, may get very ill and have to present to hospital for acute illnesses such as heart failure and it can also trigger vascular events like heart attack and strokes,” he explained, suggesting that for those persons who are healthy, it may not be as much of a big deal as it is an annual occurrence, “but for persons with underlying medical conditions, it’s an issue”.

The doctor said people needed to reduce risks and follow proven public health measures. He suggested avoiding crowded and poorly ventilated spaces, especially when exhibiting symptoms, as a means of preventing the spread of viruses, particularly to vulnerable individuals.

Dr Connell also stressed the significance of hand hygiene, not only for preventing respiratory virus transmission but also during a season characterised by increased food consumption and gastrointestinal illnesses. He advised frequent hand-washing and advocated for the use of hand sanitisers, especially before accessing buffet tables or handling utensils. (RG)