Appeal for caution as flu season peaks

Persons are being encouraged to take extra precautions and adhere to established health protocols to prevent infection, as the island is in the peak period for influenza.

Commonly referred to as the 'flu', influenza is an acute viral infection that spreads easily from one individual to another through coughing, sneezing or close contact. Flu activity in Jamaica often begins to increase from October to November, followed by a peak between December and March, and can last as late as May. Addressing the recent monthly meeting of the Portland Municipal Corporation, Medical Officer of Health for the parish, Dr Sharon Lewis, encouraged persons to observe proper hand hygiene and proper coughing etiquette.

"And if you are ill, avoid public spaces in order to reduce spread of the virus," she said.

Persons are advised to clean hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitiser; avoid touching the eyes, nose or mouth; cover the nose and mouth with a tissue or a mask - not a hand - when coughing or sneezing, and properly dispose of the used tissue; cough or sneeze into the sleeve or elbow rather than the hand; and to avoid close contact with sick people. Taking the flu vaccine is also recommended.

Lewis further urged persons to wear protective masks when visiting health facilities. She said that the masks not only help to lessen the risk of contracting the flu, but also COVID-19, which is now at the endemic stage in Jamaica, meaning that the disease will remain in the population with seasonal peaks.