PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES

Minister Herbert said that persons exhibiting mild flu symptoms would be treated effectively at home with local beverages, soup, fruits, vegetables and rest. Paracetamol may be used for fever and pain relief, but avoiding Aspirin and Ibuprofen are not recommended. Minister Herbert said there was no need to go to the hospital emergency room, unless they had a flu-like illness along with complications such as breathing difficulty, severe weakness or dehydration.

The best measures to protect the body he reminded were good nutrition adequate amounts of water, rest and exercise and cleanliness, adding that proper personal hygiene prevented the spread of the flu from person to person. He urged people with symptoms to cover their mouth and nose with an absorbent tissue or the shirt sleeve when coughing and/or sneezing, place the tissue in a bin and wash hands with soap and water. In addition, people are urged to keep their hands away from their faces. Parents and guardians must instill these practices in their children Minister Herbert said.

He reminded the public that there were groups of persons who are at higher risk for severe illness and hospitalization. They include pregnant women; young children; persons with underlying medical conditions including obesity, uncontrolled diabetes, asthma and other lung conditions.

The Minister said persons falling into this category should pay close attention to their general health and keep in contact with their personal doctor.

Minister Herbert also reminded the public that the Ministry of Health had informed the public of an anticipated second wave of H1N1 influenza, and acknowledged that since then, scores of persons have experienced a flu-like illness. He said the trend was expected to continue through to March 2010.

NO VACCINE UNTIL NEXT YEAR

The Health minister said reports were that some persons were alarmed when a doctor made a diagnosis of H1N1 influenza, adding that it was apparent that some members of the community were unaware that a new wave of the virus was circulating.

The H1N1 Influenza is a new virus discovered in Mexico earlier this year. The Minister pointed out that many people had no natural protection to this new flu and therefore projections are that up to 30% of the population may experience a flu-like illness. However, he said, the vast majority of affected persons have mild illness only and recover in 3 to 5 days without antiviral medication (Tamiflu) treatment.

There is already a worldwide shortage of vaccine which is not expected
in St. Kitts and Nevis before March 2010. Minister Herbert said, therefore, that that the Federation, like sister Caribbean nations, would have to manage the H1N1 influenza without the vaccine.

He said there was no reason for alarm because the vaccine was only one weapon in the fight against the influenza.

Schools in St. Kitts are reporting that large numbers of students are absent from school, apparently because of the flu.

In light of warnings from health officials about the new wave of H1N1 cases, administrators are taking no chances and are sending home students who show up at school with flu symptoms, and urging parents to keep sick children at home.

One school’s principal told WINN that teachers were contracting the flu, and said if the trend continued there would be no one to teach the children who did come to school.