EDITORIAL

In the past few months or so, several Barbadians have been complaining about the flu-like symptoms and this time around, the duration of this illness seemed to last longer than in previous years. Recent reports indicate concern about the increased level of flu cases being reported across the USA, Europe, and sporadic cases across the Caribbean. After all, it is true in more ways than one that when the USA sneezes, the Caribbean catches a cold. 

 

Given the frequency of travel and interaction between the two countries, it is obvious that viruses such as the flu will easily be transmitted among family members, in high traffic areas such as airports and from passenger to passenger in the closed environment of an aircraft. 

 

Something as simple as a sneeze could have very far reaching consequences. Each infected person who sneezes releases thousands of particles into the atmosphere and each person in the immediate vicinity can very easily be affected. And just imagine if the sick person sneezes into his/her hand and subsequently touches a door handle or some other area of common usage. Flu germs can live on surfaces for as long as 24 hours unless these areas are properly sanitised. 

 

In November however, Minister of Health, John Boyce, revealed in a statement that “for the subset of cases tested, the causative organism was not the flu virus but mostly Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)”.

In the USA, residents are being encouraged to get flu shots which have become mandatory in some hospitals and other areas, in an effort to protect medical staff as well as patients. However, here in Barbados, most persons at risk for severe illness from the seasonal flu virus were advised to ask their doctor about receiving the vaccine against seasonal flu. 

 

With the seasonal change in our weather – the cold nights and cooler days, it seems inevitable that there will be an increase in colds. We therefore add our support to the call for caution, because surely the already over-burdened Queen Elizabeth Hospital would be placed under even more pressure if there was a flu epidemic. In addition, the workforce needs all able-bodied members to be productive at this time. 

 

So what do we do? Apart from flu shots, there are some basic health and sanitary tips that children and adults should bear in mind. First and foremost, wash your hands! It seems a small thing, but it is a crucial step in controlling the spread of viruses which are often contracted when dirty hands touch the mouth, eyes and face. Hand sanitisers are also useful in this regard. Second, if you do get sick, seek immediate medical attention, stay away from others and reduce the likelihood of spreading the cold, and third, sneeze into tissues and dispose of them properly and immediately.

 

As always, paying close attention to personal hygiene is of paramount importance, as well as keeping surroundings clean. 

 

Already the country has felt the weight of an increase in cases of the Zika virus. We cannot afford to have our citizens succumb, en masse, to a flu epidemic.