| H1N1 Update - Flu Clinic Closes |
| Cayman Health & Fitness - General Health |
| By CaymanActive.com - Last Updated on Friday, 26 February 2010 18:39 |
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Public Health Advisory - The number of H1N1 cases has steadily declined in the Western Hemisphere, indicating that the peak of the pandemic may have passed. However, people should still remain vigilant as recent scientific data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates continued transmission elsewhere and we therefore cannot let down our guard. The only protection is to be vaccinated, and to maintain good personal hygiene and social distancing. Since 21 January, the vaccine has been available at HSA facilities, certain public venues and private physicians’ offices. This availability will continue at all HSA facilities and some private doctors’ offices. We have adequate supplies of the vaccine.
At an emergency WHO committee meeting on 23 February held to consider the pandemic status, it was determined that there had been no change in the pandemic phase. The WHO will convene again within the next several weeks to review the global situation.
Since the start of the pandemic, 129 cases of the H1N1 virus were confirmed in the Cayman Islands. The last confirmed case was reported on January 11. Our surveillance data of persons visiting HSA facilities indicate that flu-like illness cases during the past four weeks are largely the same as before the pandemic, with approximately 80-100 persons being seen weekly with flu-like symptoms. Most of the cases were mild and many persons were without fever.
As a result, the designated flu clinic which was set up for H1N1 cases will be closed, effective 1 March. However, priority will be given to patients with flu-like symptoms at the General Practice clinic, district health centers, Faith Hospital and the Accident and Emergency Unit of the Cayman Islands Hospital. Patients are advised to report to the registration officer or nurse regarding their flu-like symptoms in order to receive priority care.
For more information on H1N1 visit www.caymanprepared.ky or www.hsa.ky. The Health Services Authority also offers the public direct responses to their flu queries through its flu email and message system –
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
. This complements the 24-hour flu hotline (926-2812) manned by HSA staff.
The Cayman Islands reported its first H1N1 case on 4 June 2009, and confirmed one H1N1 death in July 2009.
Previous Information issued as a Public Advisory by the Ministry of Health and Human Services, and the Health Services Authority, when H1N1 was more commonly known as 'Swine Flu'
What is swine flu? Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses. Outbreaks of swine flu happen regularly in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, however an outbreak of human to human transmission of the virus (H1N1) has been detected in the Mexico, the United States and Europe. Why is this of concern? The World Health Organization has declared the swine flu outbreak a "public health emergency of international concern." There is the potential for this to become a pandemic. What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people? The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. How do you catch swine flu? Spread of swine flu can occur in two ways:
Is this swine flu virus contagious? This virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it not known how easily the virus spreads between people. What should I do if I get sick? If you become ill with influenza-like symptoms you may want to contact your Doctor, particularly if you are worried about your symptoms. Your Doctor will determine whether influenza testing or treatment is needed. However, swabs will have to be sent overseas for tests which will take at least a week. The treatment does not depend on the test results. How long can an infected person spread swine flu to others? People with swine influenza virus infection should be considered potentially contagious as long as they are symptomatic and possible for up to 7 days following illness onset. Is travel recommended to the affected areas? The World Health Organization has NOT issued a travel advisory to any of the affected areas at this time. However, persons travelling to areas with confirmed outbreaks of swine flu should be diligent in deciding their travel plans to these areas and take the necessary precautions. For further information or travel advisories please visit the Center for Disease Control or World Health Organisation websites. What can I do to protect myself from getting sick? There is no vaccine available right now to protect against swine flu. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.
Should we be concerned in the Cayman Islands? With frequent travel to and from other parts of the world there is the possibility of swine flu cases in these Islands. With the World Health Organization declaring this a public health emergency of international concern, the Ministry of Health and the Health Services Authority are taking the necessary measures for early detection and control of swine flu and ensure appropriate control measures. In this regard arrangements are being made with the Caribbean Epidemiology Centre for testing of any suspected cases in the Cayman Islands. While the Ministry of Health and the Health Services Authority will do much to prepare for any outbreak in these islands, individual action and individual responsibility are necessary for the success of any measures. Are there medicines to treat swine flu? Yes there are Antiviral prescription medicines that will be prescribed by physicians as necessary, to prevent serious complications. This treatment is best if started within two days of symptoms. Can I get swine influenza from eating or preparing pork? No. Swine influenza viruses are not spread by food. You cannot get swine influenza from eating pork or pork products. Eating properly handled and cooked pork products is safe. For more information, try www.caymanprepared.ky, www.gov.ky, or the World Health Organisation at www.who.int
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