HealthLocal NewsNews Ministry of Health – No cases of H1N1 virus so far this year by Barbados Today 18/01/2019 written by Barbados Today Updated by Fernella Wedderburn 18/01/2019 2 min read A+A- Reset Share FacebookTwitterLinkedinWhatsappEmail 863 The Ministry of Health and Wellness is assuring the public that there have been no cases of the Influenza A H1N1 virus recorded in Barbados so far this year. This comes on the heels of news out of Trinidad and Tobago of three deaths attributed to the virus, commonly known as swine flu. According to Senior Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Leslie Rollock: “There has been no increase in cases of respiratory illnesses due to influenza viruses in Barbados above what is normally expected at this time of the year.” She revealed that Barbados recorded six cases of H1N1 in 2018 but no deaths were associated with the illness. The Influenza A H1N1 virus, along with other influenza viruses such as Influenza A H3N2, has been circulating in the Caribbean since 2009, the medical professional said. She explained that unless the virus mutated into a form that caused more severe disease, it generally posed no increased risk to otherwise healthy people. You Might Be Interested In Crystal Beckles-Holder, 2nd runner up in regional competition GUYANA: Body of child found after gold mine collapses Barbadians asked to help with return tickets for Haitians People most at risk include children and persons over 65, as well as those with asthma or other lung disease, diabetes, heart disease, severe obesity, kidney disease or other conditions that could interfere with immune function. Dr. Rollock noted that while reported cases of respiratory illnesses had not reached the national alert level this flu season, it was important for persons to continue to practice good hygiene, which was the most effective way of reducing the transmission of viruses. “These practices include washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and drying them with disposable tissue. If soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is recommended,” she advised. She further cautioned people to keep unwashed hands away from the eyes, nose and mouth, and to cover the nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing. Alternatively, persons should cough or sneeze into the inner side of the elbow. Persons at risk of severe disease are advised to consult their healthcare provider or any of the polyclinics about receiving this year’s seasonal flu vaccine. (BGIS) Barbados Today Stay informed and engaged with our digital news platform. The leading online multimedia news resource in Barbados for news you can trust. You may also like Husbands: SJPI plays significant role in equipping youth for world of work 08/12/2024 Flow supports 16 Days of Activism against GBV 08/12/2024 Christmas at Cave Hill Concert: A spectacular showcase of talent 08/12/2024