Health Ministry of T&T raises awareness against life-threatening virus

Trinidad and Tobago: The Ministry of Health, Trinidad and Tobago raises awareness in the region for viruses like influenza to promote better health in the region through a social media post on December 24, 2023. 

The ministry shared tips for the prevention of disease. Influenza is a life-threatening virus, having extremely hazardous impacts on the people affected by this and in the region, the influenza season is considered from October to May. 

In this concern, the health ministry encourages and educates the citizens to take vaccines as early as possible. Even, there are certain groups of individuals who are at high risk of getting Influenza.

The groups include Children under the age of six and adults over the age of 60. Also, pregnant women and persons with non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, hypertension and many more.

Moreover, the individuals with weaker immune systems also are at the risk of getting infected. Not only this, patients with respiratory illness and health care workers as well are at risk.

Importantly, the influenza vaccine is available completely free of cost at all the Health Centers of the region.

Emphasizing the protection tips from the viruses as released by the Ministry reveals some important and notable points which include three basic tips which are required to be followed. The primary tip is regarding hand washing habits.

Hands need to be properly washed with soap and water. And, at times, it is not available, alcohol-based hand sanitisers should be used. Moreover, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with gems such as doorknobs, tables, countertops etc.

Considerably, close contact with already infected or sick people may also raise the chances of getting infected with influenza.

Looking at the symptoms of Influenza, people infected by this often suffer from fever, headache, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough and some may even feel vomiting or diarrhoea. In some cases, people do not even feel any symptoms.

As it is said that prevention is better than cure, one should stick to the tips for leading a better life.