BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - IT has now become a tradition that after every Carnival season many people in St. Kitts and Nevis get affected by the flu virus.
The flu is normally named after the most popular song released during the Carnival season or sometimes the most current topic.
However, unlike 2010 when the virus was named VAT, the 2012 flu virus is dubbed ‘DCH’ which is in keeping with the most popular song released for Sugar Mas 41.
Back in 2003, the flu virus was dubbed ‘Creep Up’ after Small Axe Band’s winning Road March tune ‘Watch De Creep-Up’.
And in 1991, people were said to have ‘All Kinda Things’ flu taken from Mic Stokes’ Road March jam.
Chief Medical Officer Dr. Patrick Martin issued a press release on Tuesday (8 Jan) pertaining to the flu season.
He disclosed: “According to the United States Center for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC), FLUVIEW December 23-29 2012 update, the USA is experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness indicative of a moderately severe season.”
“It is likely that the Federation will experience a similar picture because of the level of travel between the two countries”, Dr. Martin added.
The following is a list of reminders given by Dr. Martin:
1. Influenza is a viral illness transmitted from person to person by coughing and sneezing, and also via hand contact;
2. The spread of influenza is effectively reduced by simple personal hygiene measures such as coughing and sneezing into tissue or shirt sleeves, and regular hand-washing with soap and water;
3. The body is protected by consuming a healthy diet of fruits, vegetables and provisions, regular physical exercise, and adequate rest (6-8 hours for adults; 10-12 hours for children);
4. Common symptoms of influenza include fever, headache, nasal congestion, cough, muscle aches and pains. Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea may also occur;
5. There is no medication cure for influenza. Paracetamol is recommended for relief of pain and fever;
6. All persons will not be affected. Persons affected should recover after three to five days of rest and nourishment at home;
7. Emergency care is necessary for persons at risk for or actually experiencing complications such as breathing difficulties and dehydration; and
8. Additionally, information can be obtained from community health centers and private medical practices.
Meanwhile, during an interview with SKNVibes, the General Medical Practitioner and Medical District Officer for Old Road and Sandy Point, Dr. Vance Gilbert, revealed that the flu virus is seasonal even though it is more prevalent following the Christmas/Carnival season.
He highlighted that with everybody mingling during the Sugar Mas period in downtown Basseterre and the virus being transmitted in the air through respiratory droplets as well as people being exposed to extreme weather, the flu virus perforates and passes on to the next person.
Asked who are most vulnerable to get the flu, Dr. Gilbert responded: “Anybody can get the flu.”
He however pointed out that the groups of people who tend to get sicker are children, the elderly and those with decrease immune system and chronic respiratory illness, like asthma.
Dr. Gilbert noted that prevention is “the number one thing” to do relative to “our setting” in St. Kitts and Nevis.
He advised that individuals who have the flu symptoms should stay at home in order to prevent the virus from spreading.
As understood after an individual has contracted the flu within 24 hours, he or she can transmit it up to five to 10 days after.
Dr. Gilbert also advised that should one contact the flu, one should take leave from one’s place of employ so that the virus does not spread to anyone else.
He informed that in other countries vaccines are administered to prevent the flu.
Asked if that is done in St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Gilbert explained that those vulnerable could get a flu shot, although it is not normally given.
