BAMP flags rise in respiratory illnesses ahead of new school term

Parents are being urged to keep sick children at home when schools reopen, amid an increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza.

The warning comes from the Barbados Association of Medical Practitioners (BAMP), whose president Dr Lynda Williams has urged the public to take precautions as the country records a rise in respiratory illnesses.

Dr Lynda Williams. (File photo)

In a release over the weekend, Williams pointed to a recent advisory from the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

“The Ministry of Health and Wellness has advised the public of a significant increase in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and influenza,” she said.

Williams advised people with flu-like symptoms to use rapid antigen kits, available at most private pharmacies, to test for COVID-19. She explained that testing too early or failing to swab the nose correctly could produce a false-negative result. 

“If the first test is negative and suspicion for COVID-19 remains high, the rapid antigen test should either be repeated 24 to 48 hours later,” Williams said

PCR testing is available at the Eunice Gibson and Branford Taitt polyclinics from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. 

She also those who are ill to stay at home, avoid going to work if they are clearly unwell and wear masks in public places.

Williams advised people to practise  good respiratory hygiene, wash or sanitise their hands frequently, clean commonly touched surfaces and ensure rooms are adequately ventilated. She stressed that air conditioning by itself does not bring fresh air into a room 

“COVID-19 vaccines are currently unavailable in the country,” she said. 

Williamns recommended that healthcare workers, frontline tourism staff, seniors, and people with chronic illnesses receive the influenza vaccine. The 2026-2027 vaccines are expected to become available soon.

Paediatrician and neonatologist Dr Clyde Cave told Barbados TODAY that parents have an important role to play in limiting the spread of illness when schools reopen.

Dr Clyde Cave. (File photo)

“In the general context, every year we see a spike for Crop Over,” Cave said. “We should have learned that from COVID, that this is something that happens at this time of the year, and we know we can anticipate another one when children return to school.”

He said BAMP’s recommended precautions remained important, including practising good respiratory hygiene, sneezing into one’s sleeve and properly disposing of tissues.

But Cave stressed that during a spike in cases, keeping sick children away from school and daycare was particularly important. 

“The big thing really for school is not sending children who are sick to daycare or school,” he said. 

He acknowledged that this could be difficult for parents who have to make childcare arrangements at short notice.

However, Cave said keeping children who are known or suspected to be unwell at home was key to breaking the early cycle of transmission.

He said that by the time a child has had a runny nose, sneezing, or fever for a few days, “they’ve probably already transmitted it”.

He urged parents to pay close attention if a child develops symptoms after being around someone who is ill.

(SB)