Health & Wellbeing
JAM | Jan 25, 2023

Flu season is not over yet…

Zemelyah Shaw

Zemelyah Shaw / Our Today

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Influenza/Flu season has been in full swing since October of last year and, with many people having  fallen ill to the contagious respiratory illness, here is your reminder to stay safe.

The flu can easily be spread through coughing and sneezing as well as coming in close contact with anyone who may be carrying the virus.

The flu is often confused with the common cold as they both attack the respiratory system and, though both share similarities, there are distinct differentiating qualities such as the fact that the flu is more so a seasonal disposition while the cold is just as easily contracted in January as it is in September. It is also caused by the influenza virus while the cold is caused by a number of different viruses.

The symptoms someone may exhibit when they are suffering from the flu may include: fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. More extreme symptoms are diarrhea, seizures, pneumonia and blood infections.

The flu season usually starts to take effect in October to November and then peaks in December and March. It may sometimes last as long as May.

Though the virus circulates internationally and can affect anyone in any age group, children, the elderly with chronic illnesses, pregnant women, individuals who are institutionalised or in state care, health care workers and non-health frontline workers are especially at a high risk.

“The flu can further complicate already existing chronic medical conditions. We want to remind members of the public to practise good hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water; and covering the mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing, which will help to prevent the transmission of the virus,” says Dr Melody Ennis, director of Family Health Services at the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

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