Saint Lucia health ministry introduces measures to curb flu-like symptoms

Castries, Saint Lucia: The nation has recorded a decline in the cases of flu but the Ministry of Health continues to monitor the respiratory illness in the country and introduced some measures to curb the issue.

The authorities ensure that people having flu-like symptoms should be treated on a priority basis at the emergency departments, private doctor’s offices and wellness centers. Noting this, they urged the public to take necessary precautions to avoid the illness.

People of sensitive age groups like older adults, children and those suffering from chronic and several health conditions are advised to avoid contact with others, especially those who are sick.

The Ministry of Health introduced the following measures, which will prove helpful to reduce the spread of the flu.

1. One should do exercise daily, eat healthy and drink plenty of water to strengthen their immune system.
2. People should maintain hygiene, clean and disinfect the surfaces.
3. One must seek professional medical advice immediately when they find the first sign of flu-like symptoms or if the symptoms do not get better and worsen.
4. Use personal protective equipment such as goggles, a mouthpiece, or a damp cloth handkerchief to cover the nose and mouth.
5. It is necessary to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds to avoid germs and bacteria.
6. Avoid getting out of the homes, especially in crowded places as it will higher the risk of spreading of flu between people.
7. Refrain from sending sick children to school or day-care centers until they are properly cured of the symptoms.

The ministry expressed its commitment to tackle the situation with every possible thing in its power. Also, there is a reduction in hospitalizations and deaths due to the COVID-19 Virus.

However, the nation has also reported a few cases of new COVID-19 variants, Influenza A and B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus and they encourage people to use the flu vaccine, which is free of cost at various wellness centers. The sick people are currently receiving treatment.

To curb the spike of flu, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has collaborated with the InterAmerican Bank (IDB) to address the gaps in the country’s healthcare service capacity.